^TWENTY  *© 

EVENTFUL 

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University  of  California  •  Berkeley 

The  Peter  and  Rosell  Harvey 

Memorial  Fund 


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Twenty   Eventful  Years 


OF    THE 


Oregon  Woman's  Christian 

Temperance  Union 

1880-1900 

Statistical,  Historical 
and  Biographical 

Portraits  of  Prominent  Pioneer  Workers 


Lucia  H.  Faxon  Additon 

National  Organizer  and  Lecturer 
State  Historian 


all  rights  re8erved 

Gotshall  Printing  Company 

Portland,  Oregon. 

1904 


, 

■         m 

1 

DEDICATION. 

With  tender  love  I  dedicate  this  little  book  to  my  com- 
rades of  the  Multnomah  County  Executive,  who,  by  their 
loyalty  and  loving  confidence,  have  cheered  the  heart  and 
strengthened  the  hands  of  the  author. 

LUCIA  H.  FAXON  ADDITON. 


MISS  FRANCES  E.  GOTSHALL, 
Publisher. 


INTRODUCTION. 


In  sending  this>  little  volume  forth  upon  its  mission 
we  bespeak  for  it  a  most  hearty  welcome  from  the  public 
at  large  and  from  the  White  Ribbon  Sisterhood,  particu- 
larly of  Oregon,  coming  as  it  does  from  the  facile  pen  of 
Mrs.  Lucia  Faxon  Additon,  who  of  all  our  Oregon  work- 
ers, is  best  fitted  to  write  a  history  of  these  Twenty  Eventful 
Years,  since  in  all  this  time  she  has  been  in  the  vanguard  of 
all  efforts  tending  towards  the  making  of  temperance  sen- 
timent. 

Xo  one,  unaccustomed  to  writing,  can  imagine  the  im- 
mense amount  of  labor  and  patient  painstaking  research  re- 
quired to  glean  the  facts  contained  between  these  covers. 
For  this  is  no  fairy  tale  or  idle  dream  of  a  vivid  imagina- 
tion, but  well  authenticated  statements  of  actual  work  and 
workers  accomplished  in  the  face  of  difficulties  and  apathy 
of  public  opinion  which  would  have  daunted  less  heroic  or 
determined  soldiers  than  those  enlisted  in  this  peaceful  war- 
fare for  God  and  Home  and  Native  Land.  The  author  has 
not  relied  upon  hei  memory  in  writing  this  history,  in  fact 
many  circumstances  which  she  distinctly  recollects,  but 
which  were  not  matters  of  record,  were  omitted,  it  being 
her  aim  to  have  all  statements  substantiated.  In  this  she  was 
materially  aided  by  the  many  scrap  books  which  she  has 
made  of  clippings  of  W.  C.  T.  U.  work  culled  from  the  daily 
press  during  the  years  of  history  making,  many  of  these 
articles  being  written  by  herself  in  her  capacity  as  news- 
paper correspondent.  To  the  best  of  our  knowledge  she  has 
the  only  complete  file  of  state  minutes  in  Oregon — these, 
with  the  White  Ribboner,  have  been  a  most  efficient  help  in 
securing  material. 

The  author,  Mrs.  Additon,  is  not  only  one  of  the  best- 
known  women  in  Oregon,  but  her  fame  as  an  efficient  tern- 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

perance  worker,  and  enthusiastic  W.  C.  T.  U.  lecturer  and 
organizer,  extends  from  California's  golden  shore  to  the 
rock-bound  coast  of  old  Atlantic.  A  daughter  of  Massa- 
chusetts, reared  in  the  shadow  of  cultured  Boston,  she  was 
well  and  favorably  known  in  the  musical  circles  of  that 
music  center  of  America  before  she  turned  her  face  West- 
ward and  her  heart  toward  the  deeper  meaning  of  life. 

In  point  of  heredity  she  is  well-born,  her  father,  Lucius 
Faxon,  was  a  descendant  from  sturdy,  English  ancestry, 
who  came  to  America  in  1647.  They  were  advocates  of 
religion  and  liberty,  possessing  rare  excellence  of  character. 
Nobleness  of  purpose  was  handed  down  from  generation  to 
generation.  Mr.  Faxon  was  unswerving  in  his  integrity, 
clear  in  his  thinking  and  possessing  a  remarkable  business 
ability.  From  her  father,  Mrs.  Additon  inherits  her  busi- 
ness qualifications,  but  her  love  of  books  comes  from  her 
gentle,  quiet  mother.  Her  first  literary  effort  (outside  of 
school  work)  was  at  14  years  of  age,  when  her  father  (who 
was  Superintendent  of  their  Sabbath  School)  came  to  her 
with  a  story  he  had  found,  which  he  wanted  dramatized,  and 
set  her  at  it.  It  was  done  and  the  drama  was  a  part  of  the 
Sunday  School  Christmas  programme. 

Mrs.  Additon,  speaking  of  her  childhood's  home  life, 
says :  "I  dearly  love  my  old  New  England  home,  recollec- 
tions of  which  are  filled  with  naught  but  love  and  happiness. 
No  mother  could  be  better,  or  sweeter,  or  purer  than  mine, 
and  no  father  could  set  a  better  example  to  his  children. 
There  was  no  arbitrary  force  used  to  enforce  obedience,  but 
there  was  an  all-pervading  influence,  at  once  pure  and 
godly,  helping  us  all  to  do  what  was  right.  The  family 
altar  fire  was  never  dim,  and  every  child  took  part,  read- 
ing their  verses  in  turn,  and  at  night,  after  tea,  we  were  all 
gathered  round  the  organ  in  the  library,  and  sang  the 
chants  and  songs  we  loved.  Thus  the  little  ones  were  put 
to  bed  every  night  with  a  song  on  the  lips  and  love  in  the 
heart.  The  Faxons  were  a  musical  race.  The  children  were 
never  compelled  to  go  to  church,  yet  everyone  dearly  loved 
to  do  so.     My  parents  were  filled  with  a  quiet,  holy  faith 

vi 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

that  they  carried  out  in  their  lives,  teaching  by  example 
'That  all  religion  was  life  and  the  life  of  religion  was  to  do 
good." 

For  twenty  years  Mrs.  Additon  has  been  one  of  the 
foremost  leaders  in  the  Woman's  Christian  Temperance 
Union  of  Oregon,  her  special  line  of  work  being  in  the  La- 
bor Department.  She  has  made  a  deep  and  exhaustive  study 
of  social  economics,  and  few,  if  any,  are  more  competent  to 
speak  or  write  upon  this  most  important  subject.  Possessed 
of  a  master  mind,  keen  intellect,  forceful  logic,  she  is  recog- 
nized as  a  leader  in  every  good  and  useful  work.  She  is 
far-sighted  and  practical  in  her  plans,  and  her  methods  have 
brought  repeated  successes  to  her  co-workers  in  the  many 
departments  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.,  for  her  active  brain  is  never 
content  with  a  single  line  of  work.  As  a  public  speaker  she 
is  logical  and  eloquent,  her  arguments  clear-cut  and  con- 
vincing, while  she  holds  the  closest  attention  of  the  audience. 
Mrs.  Additon  is  not  only  a  brainy  woman,  but  one  of  deep 
spirituality  as  well,  and  this  characterizes  all  her  writings. 
She  is  an  acknowledged  author  of  merit,  particularly  along 
Christian  and  philanthropic  lines.  A  true  philanthropist, 
her  mother  heart  especially  warms  toward  homeless  girls, 
and  many  such  have  found  homes  under  her  hospitable  roof. 
This  love  for  young  women  induced  her  to  found  the  Noon 
Rest  for  working  girls  in  this  city.  In  purely  Christian 
effort  Mrs.  Additon  is  a  powerful  factor  as  well,  and  thus 
her  name  has  become  a  household  word,  standing  for  all  that 
is  pure  and  noble. 

Surely  the  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union  of 
Oregon  has  cause  to  be  proud  of  its  historian. 

FRANCES  E.  GOTSHALL, 

Publisher. 


Vll 


THE  AUTHOR'S  FOREWORD. 


There  has  been  a  long-cherished  desire  to  have  in  per- 
manent form  the  history  of  the  origin  and  growth  of  the 
White  Ribbon  movement,  and  a  request  came  to  me,  "Would 
I  compile  such  a  history?" 

This  little  book  is  the  result  of  my  faithful  attempt  to 
comply  with  the  request.  In  searching  the  records  one 
thing  has  impressed  me  very  much,  that  the  workers  were 
not  vain  glorious.  We  only  wish  the  doings  of  the  local 
unions  as  well  as  state  officers  had  been  reported  more  in 
detail. 

It  is  deeply  to  be  regretted  that  a  few  counties  failed 
to  respond  to  the  call  for  the  picture  of  their  oldest  pioneer. 
The  majority,  however,  heartily,  cordially  rendered  material 
aid  to  the  increased  value  of  the  history.  The  choice  names 
of  the  rank  and  file,  of  necessity  omitted,  far  exceed  in  num- 
ber those  mentioned,  and  all  are  worthy.  No  one  will  regret 
more  than  the  author  the  absence  of  some  faces  grown  dear 
to  us  all.    We  simply  could  not  obtain  them. 

Facts  concerning  our  work  in  relation  to  aid  rendered 
Ramabai  were  not  found  in  the  records.  We  all  remember 
the  W.  C.  T.  U.  was  most  active.  We  found  an  acknowl- 
edgment of  our  work  in  a  leading  philanthropic  magazine 
and  we  append  it : 

"Great  credit  is  due  the  W.  C.  T.  U.,  which  has  arranged 
the  details  of  her  trip.  The  Union  is  so  admirably  organized 
for  work  that  no  other  friends  of  the  cause  could  have 
planned  the  journey  so  systematically  and  insured  so  hearty 
a  welcome  to  the  Pundita." 

This  has  reference  not  merely  to  Oregon,  but  to  her  trip 
in  its  entirety  through  the  country.  We  also  failed  to  find 
mention  of  our  labors  in  behalf  of  the  Keady  law  (local 
option).  We  can  remember,  however,  the  efforts  made,  and 
recall  (from  memory)  a  great  meeting  at  Toledo,  addressed 

ix 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

by  Narcissa  White,  held  in  a  vacated  saloon,  driven  out  by 
the  Keady  law,  which  was  speedily  repealed  or  declared 
unconstitutional. 

Help  for  the  suffering  Armenians  and  the  India  famine 
was  also  rendered. 

If  a  file  of  the  old  Pacific  Express  could  have  been  ob- 
tained many  early  facts  would  doubtless  have  been  made 
plain. 

With  all  its  defects  and  faults,  this  birdseye  view  of 
twenty  years'  work,  with  some  mention  of  thirty  or  forty 
of  the  leaders  of  the  state  (out  of  hundreds  deserving  hon- 
orable mention)  will,  I  feel  sure,  have  a  certain  value  as 
historic  fact,  and  will  show  those  outside  the  ranks  that  at 
least  the  "grand  army  of  reform"  has  not  been  "sleeping  on 
guard." 

The  facts  herein  written  are  just  as  the  records  give 
them,  and  we  have  done  the  best  we  could  with  the  material 
at  hand.  May  it  prove  a  fresh  impetus  to  the  work  and 
workers. 

I  bespeak  for  the  book  a  warm  welcome  from  the  rank 
and  file,  whose  blessed  comradeship  is  one  of  the  priceless 
possessions  of  my  twenty-three  years  life  in  my  adopted 
state  "Wrhere  rolls  the  Oregon." 

LUCIA  H.  FAXON  ADDITON. 

Portland,  Oregon. 


STATE  MOTTO. 


'Speak  to  the  Children  of  Israel  that  they  go  forward. 


BADGE. 

Bow  of  White  Ribbon. 


STATE  FLOWER. 


Syringa. 


TRYSTING  TIME  OF  PRAYER. 


Noontide. 


STATE  SONG. 


By  Mrs.  Narcissa  W.  Kinney. 
Tune— "A  Thousand  Years." 


A  temperance  state  we  yet  shall  call  it, 
Oregon — land   of  martyr's  tears. 

Oregon,   saved  for  God  and  country, 

Shall  banish  saloons  a  thousand  years. 

Chorus. 
A  thousand  years  of  sober  people, 

A  thousand  years  of  the  strong  and  brave, 
This,  the  glad  song  we  teach  our  children, 

Alcohol  has  found  its  grave. 

Chorus. 
Courage,  brave  hearts!     God's  time  is  coming! 

Stand  by  your  homes  and  banish  fears! 
Never  again  will  we  drink  the  poison, 

And  we'll  banish  saloons  a  thousand  years. 

Chorus. 
Carry  the  word  to  tempted  mortals; 

Stop  the  flow  of  mothers'  tears, 
Justice  and  truth  shall  rule  the  people, 

And  banish  saloons  a  thousand  years. 


XII 


THE  WHITE  RIBBON  ARMY. 


By  Mary  L.  Kenworthy. 


Not  they  alone,  are  great  or  grand, 
The  martial  hosts,  with  kingly  tread 
Who   stand   upon   the   battle   plain. 
And  face  the  cannon's  deafening  fire, 
Or   mingle   with   the   noble   slain. 

The  pageantry,  the  glare,  the  pomp, 
The  din,  and  glitter  of  array, 
The  badge,  the  bay,  the  laurel  crown, 
The  name  emblazoned  with  renown 
Nerve  up  their  sinews  for  the  fray. 

Not  less  heroic  are  the  souls, 

Who  on  the  battle  field  of  life 

Fight  inch  by  inch  the  tyrant  wrong, 

Unheralded  by  trump    or   song, 

Nor  yield  one  hair's  breadth  in  the  strife. 

Nor  less  heroic,  though  they  wear 
Upon  their  brows  no  battle  scars, 
Or  deadly  shell  their  visage  mars. 
The  victories  on  the  field  of  truth 
Are  greater  than  the  spoils  of  war. 

The  field  is  wide,  the  foe  is  strong; 
He  sits  in  power's  topmost  seat, 
With  brazen  front  defiies  defeat. 
He  creeps  in  ambush  at  our  feet 
And  drags  his  slimy  length  along. 

He  dares  with  bold,  unblushing  face, 
Pollute  the  forum  and  the  church; 
Invades  the  hallowed  shrines  of  home, 
And  wheresoe'r  he  dares  to  come, 
Is  felt  the  blighting  of  his  touch. 

And  men  would  stoop  to  palliate 

This  monstrous  wrong  with  this  false  plea, 

"The  land  would  bankrupt  soon  become 

Without  the  revenues  of  rum!" 

'Tis  Satan's  subtle  sophistry. 

O,  fair  Columbia,  with  shame! 
To  owe  thy  honor,  strength  or  fame, — 
Thy  grand  magnificence  and  might 
Is  Alcohol;  to  trail  thy  robes — 
Thy  regal  robes,  in  human  blood. 


Xlll 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

To  fatten  on  the  lives  of  men 

Like  vultures  in  some  slaughter  pen 

With  glut  of  avarice  and  greed 

Thy  royal  chariot  wheels  to  roll 

Upon  the  God-crowned,  deathless  soul. 

While  mother's  groans,  and  widow's  prayers 
And. shattered  hopes,  and  black  despair, 
And  orphan  faces  wan  and  old, 
And  riven  hearts,  and  crime-stained  hands 
On  thy  fair  brow  have  set  their  brand. 

But  woman  waiting  vain  and  long 

That  man  would  right  this  giant  wrong, 

And  legislation  wipe  this  stain 

From  off  our  country's  tarnished  name, 

Makes  unto  God  her  last  appeal. 

Not  braver  or  more  true  was  she 

Of  Orleans,  though  kissed  with  flames 

Or  Saragossa's  laureled  maid; 

Yet  praiseful  nations  gladly  paid 

A  loving  tribute  to  their  names. 

Not  so  with  these;  few  plaudits  come 
To  nerve  them  for  the  thankless  task, 
The  caustic  sneer  and  hiss  are  made 
The  welcome  of  this  brave, crusade 
Which  for  such  rightful  beasance  ask. 

Adown  the  weary,  strifeful  years, 

Has  woman  in  her  weakness  borne 

The  misery,  the  care,  the  woe, 

Which  from  the  poisoned  cup  doth  flow 

Because,  perchance,  her  strength  was  shorn. 

For  no  redress  has  she  to  find, 
When  the  proud  idols  of  her  soul, 
Her  sons — the  priceless  gift  of  God, 
Had  sunk  to  merest  senseless  clods, 
Felled  by  the  tempting,  maddening  bowl. 

"None  may  curtail  our  rights,"  says  man 

"In  boastful  sovereignty  of  power, 

What  we  may  eat  or  drink  is  ours  to  say." 

So  life  is  menaced — law  defied, 

Industry  beggared — peace  denied, 

And  royal  manhood  wrecked  and  damned. 

But  He,  who  hears  the  raven's  cry 
And  to  all  weakness  giveth  strength, 
Shall  make  her  righteous  cause  His  own 
And  advocate  it  at  the  throne, 
And  truth,  and  right  shall  win  at  length. 


XIV 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

O,  mothers  that  with  trembling  feet 
And  throbbing  heart  and  dewy  eyes, 
Have  meekly  borne  the  public  gaze 
The  taunts,  the  jeers,  the  coarse  amaze, 
Sure,  God  will  bless  your  sacrifice. 

O,  stricken  wife,  O,  starving  child, 
Whom   life   her   dearest   charms   deny, 
Of  all  that's  beautiful  and  good, 
Look  up  with  gladness  unto   God, 
And  read  the  tokens  in  the  sky. 

A  shining  rift  is  in  the  clouds, 

The  portent  of  a  glorious  day, 

It's  brightness  shall  dissolve  the  gloom, 

The  night  shall  turn  to  constant  noon 

And  rum  no  more  shall  hold  its  sway. 

Pray  on,  oh  sisters  dear!  pray  on! 
Prayer  is  the  magic  golden  key 
That  opens  mercy's  pearly  gates, 
Where  shining  courtiers  gladly  wait 
To  bear  God's  messages  to  thee. 

Hold  hand  to  hand,  hold  heart  to  heart 
In  this  grand  strife  for  human  good, 
A  breathless  nation  waits  to  see 
What  the  out-coming  yet  shall  be, 
The  turning  of  this  mighty  tide 
Of  sin  and  woe  and  misery. 

Build  on,  ye  brave  white  ribbon  host, 
Your  grand  and  lasting  monuments 
Not  marble  shafts  reared  to  the  sky, 
Not  temples  vast  that  time  defy, 
But  these,  your  monuments  must  be — 
God-given  souls  refined  from  dross 
And  sculptured  for  Eternity. 


XV 


MRS.  L.  A.  P.  WHITE, 
Firsl  Leader  of  Oregon,  appointed  by  National  W.  C.  T.  U. 


MRS.  REBECCA  CLAUSON, 
First  President  of  First  Local  Union. 


Twenty  Eventful  Years 


1881 — 1901. 


"Thou   shalt   remember  all   the  way  which  the  Lord  thy  God  led 
th.-   "— Deut.   viii.   8. 


The  public  ear  has  ever  listened  eagerly  to  the  stories  of 
great  battles,  plans  of  campaigning,  of  the  rallying  of  troops, 
told  by  those  who  have  been  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight. 

The  prowess  and  heroism  of  heated  contest,  the  records 
of  victories  won,  even  the  topography  of  the  battlefield  itself, 
of  these  histories,  the  people  never  tire,  never  weary. 

And  in  taking  up  the  pen  to  write  the  twenty  years  of 
campaign  of  the  "Grand  Army  of  Reform,"  of  Oregon, — 
The  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union — we  note  the 
fact,  as  revealed  from  a  research  amid  its  archives,  that  it  is 
a  record  of  the  grandest  movement  among  women  this  state 
has  yet  had  writ  on  the  pages  of  her  history. 

The  peaceful  warfare  carried  on  by  these  faithful  "home- 
guards"  is  replete  with  incidents  of  heroism,  self-sacrifice, 
patient  endurance  and  lofty  purpose. 

Not  alone  as  a  total  abstinence  movement,  is  it  of  historic 
inuK>rtance,  but  as  a  distinctive  woman's  movement  toward 
unifying  them. 

The  first  organization  of  Oregon  women  banded  together 
for  the  development  of  a  truer,  nobler,  higher  womanhood. 


Our  Genesis 


In  1880  Elizabeth  A.  P.  White  residing  in  Portland,  was 
appointed  by  the  National  Woman's  Christian  Temperance 
Union  as  their  vice-president  for  the  State  of  Oregon,  and 
although  right  upon  this  appointment  came  a  change  of  resi- 
dence, "Lizzie  White"  moving  to  Bake  Oven,  Wasco  County, 
fifty  miles  from  The  Dalles,  on  a  sheep  ranch,  yet  the  dis- 
tinctive honor  is  hers,  of  issuing  the  first  call  for  recruits ; 
pen,  ink  and  paper,  aided  materially  by  Uncle  Sam's  mail 
service,  were  the  first  agencies  set  at  work,  and  under  her 
supervision,  her  mother,  Rebecca  Clawson  (more  generally 
known  as  "Mother  Clawson"),  organized  the  first  local  union 
in  the  Hall  Street  M.  E.  Church,  Portland,  March  22,  1881, 
and  in  April  following  she  organized  in  Albany,  Linn 
County.  These  dates  should  be  red  letter  days  in  Oregon 
W.  C.  T.  U.  circles. 

As  Mrs.  White  could  no  longer  continue  as  leader,  she 
resigned,  and  upon  her  recommendation,  endorsed  by  the 
two  existing  unions,  Mrs.  H.  K.  Hines,  of  Portland,  was  ap- 
pointed as  her  successor. 

In  October,  1881,  Mrs.  Hines  took  up  the  work,  traveling 
and  corresponding  extensively  throughout  the  entire  state. 

It  was  no  easy  task ;  a  state  noted  for  its  magnificent  dis- 
tances, and  only  a  very  small  part  could  be  reached  by  rail. 

Those  who  look  over  the  field  today,  filled  with  hundreds 
of  consecrated  workers,  cannot  realize  the  many  difficulties 
confronting  the  few  who  thus  early  took  this  work  into  their 
hearts  and  hands. 

The  Christian  women  of  the  state  were  already  overbur- 
dened with  church  work ;  they  were  wholly  unused  to  any 
public  work,  and  Mrs.  Hines  found  prophecies  of  failure 
far  more  abundant  than  words  of  cheer. 

Over  one  thousand  miles  of  travel,  quite  a  part  by  stage 
over  rough  roads,  was  made  in  order  to  meet  and  urge  upon 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

the  women  of  the  state  the  claims  and  purposes  of  the  work. 
Some  responses  to  her  letters  sent  to  Christian  women  and 
pastors  of  churches,  met  with  encouragement,  and  some  with 
discouragement. 

Some  of  the  pastors  declined  to  co-operate,  some  even 
opposed  the  introduction  of  the  organization,  as  another 
burden  imposed  on  already  overburdened  women. 

Mrs.  Hines  writes  of  this  period: 

"So  generally  were  these  responses  full  of  discourage- 
ment, that,  had  I  not  already  learned,  by  nearly  thirty  years' 
toil  in  the  Master's  work  in  the  same  field,  that  the  'race  is 
not  always  to  the  swift,  nor  the  battle  to  the  strong/  I 
should  have  given  up  all  hope  of  seeing  our  cause  established 
in  Oregon." 

Nevertheless  this  consecrated  talented  woman  kept  her 
hands  to  the  plough,  and  did  not  turn  back.  Slowly  and 
steadily  the  work  went  on  and  when  Frances  E.  Willard 
and  her  efficient  private  secretary",  Anna  A.  Gordon,  came  to 
Oregon,  and  a  call  was  issued  for  a  state  convention ,  ten 
unions  responded  to  the  call ;  these  were  Portland,  Albany, 
Corvallis,  East  Portland,  Dayton,  Roseburg,  Independence, 
Eugene,  Salem  and  The  Dalles. 

The  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union,  of  the  State 
of  Oregon,  was  organized  in  Portland,  June  15,  1883,  in  the 
First  M.  E.  Church  (commonly  known  as  Taylor  Street,  M. 
E.),  by  Miss  Frances  E.  Willard,  national  president. 

The  place  chosen  for  this  first  gathering  of  the  clans, 
was  a  most  fitting  one,  for  it  was  from  this  church  in  1874 
that  the  crusade  bands  went  out,  under  the  inspiration 
wafted  westward  from  Ohio. 

At  this  convention  Anna  R.  Riggs,  president  of  Portland 
Union,  gave  the  address  of  welcome,  and  Mrs.  Belle  Cook, 
of  Salem,  responded.  Of  these  earnest  addresses  Miss  Wil- 
lard said : 

"These  words  of  welcome  and  response  fill  my  heart  with 
gratitude,  because  they  are  words  of  faith,  hope  and  of 
patience;  and  they  are  harbingers  of  victory.  Years  from 
now  when  your  conventions  shall  be  deemed  great  events, 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

and  your  anniversaries  shall  bring  together  its  hundreds 
and  thousands,  you  will  look  back  to  these  words  and 
thoughts  and  say  'those  women  struck  the  keynote  of  suc- 
cess/ " 

Mrs.  Chaplain  Stubbs  and  Mother  Clawson  led  the 
first  devotion.  Mrs.  H.  J.  Shane,  our  much  beloved  state 
treasurer  these  latter  years,  was  the  first  chairman  of  enter- 
tainment committee,  and  won  a  sincere  vote  of  thanks  from 
the  convention. 

Mrs.  Hines  being  ill,  unable  to  be  present,  her  annual 
address  was  read  by  Mrs.  H.  W.  Scott. 

Mrs.  D.  W.  Williams,  a  veteran  of  90  years,  and  Mother 
Skinner,  another  veteran,  were  made  honorary  members. 

The  committee  on  declaration  of  principles  and  plan  of 
work  were  Mesdames  Mary  Cartwright,  M.  E.  Hoxter,  M. 
E.  Johnson,  E.  H.  Kelly  and  S.  R.  Stubbs,  and  we  find  they 
fearlessly  declared  for  equal  rights  at  the  ballot  b/)x,  as 
follows : 

"Until  long  retarded  justice  shall  have  placed  within 
women's  hand  the  power  to  register  her  protest,  through  the 
ballot,  against  that  monstrous  perversion  of  righteous  law 
called  license,  she  must  use  every  influence  which  her  ver- 
satile brain  can  suggest  under  the  leading  of  the  Spirit  of  All 
Truth,  to  alleviate  the  condition  of  those  who  are  bound  in 
Satan's  chains,  etc. ;"  again  "While  we  are  careful  to  keep  the 
silent  forces  ever  moving  onward  toward  the  final  consumma- 
tion which  we  have  in  view,  we  must  be  ever  active  and  vigi- 
lant, zealously  watchful  of  our  wily  foe,  and  constantly  seek 
out  'new  devices'  whereby  to  circumvent  and  cripple  his  en- 
ergies, until  the  set  time  arrives  when  the  power  shall  be 
placed  in  our  hands,  when  we  shall,  at  least  in  part,  be  instru- 
mental in  accomplishing  his  destruction." 

After  the  adoption  of  report,  Miss  Willard  said :  "While 
she  was  truly  gratified  to  see  the  women  of  Oregon  tailing 
such  advanced  ground,  and  while  she  could  not  willingly 
submit  to  the  subject  of  woman's  suffrage  being  brought 
before  this  convention,  as  a  hobby,  she  was  heartily  in  sym- 
pathy with  the  movement,  as  embodied  in  the  report,  for 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

only  in  this  way  can  woman  hope  effectually  to  protect  her 
home." 

Through  the  recommendation  of  Mrs.  Hines,  the  state 
was  divided  into  six  districts,  each  president  of  a  district 
to  be  vice-president  of  state.    Districts  were  as  follows : 

First — Multnomah,  Clackamas,  Washington,  Columbia 
and  Clatsop  Counties. 

Second — Marion,  Linn  and  Lane. 

Third — Benton,  Polk,  Yamhill  and  Tillamook. 

Fourth — Wasco,  Umatilla  and  Crook. 

Fifth — Union,  Baker  and  Grant. 

Sixth — Douglas,  Jackson,  Josephine,  Coos,  Lake  and 
Curry. 

District  plan  was  pursued  for  several  years. 

Officers  elected  at  this  meeting : 

Mrs.  H.  K.  Hines,  president. 

Mrs.  Anna  R.  Riggs,  first  vice-president  (ist  district). 

Mrs.  M.  A.  Royal,  of  Salem,  second  vice-president  (2d 
district). 

Mrs.  Mary  E.  Edwards,  of  Newberg,  third  vice-presi- 
dent (3d  district). 

Mrs.  C.  Donnell,  of  The  Dalles,  fourth  vice-president 
(4th  district). 

Fifth  unfilled. 

Mrs.  L.  Sheldon,  of  Roseburg,  sixth  vice-president  (6th 
district). 

Mrs.  Belle  Cook,  of  Salem,  corresponding  secretary. 

Mrs.   Mary  Cartwright,   Portland,   recording  secretary. 

Mrs.  Mary  Blaine,  of  Albany,  treasurer. 

Mrs.  Clawson  was  appointed  delegate  to  represent  Ore- 
gon at  the  national  convention  to  be  held  in  Detroit,  Mich- 
igan, the  following  October.  She  was  on  her  way  there 
when  in  Indianapolis,  Indiana,  God  called  her  to  her  heav- 
enly home.  Her  credentials  were  sent  on  to  the  conven- 
tion and  a  memorial  held  to  her  memory.  "Sweet,  Christly 
Mother  Clawson,"  so  Mrs.  Hines  wrote  of  her;  so  echoes 
every  heart  that  knew  her. 

"By  her  the  ties  of  our  sisterhood  of  love  and  labor 
stretch  away  toward  the  universal  heart  of  all  goodness 
and  truth 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

We  may  well  linger  over  this  first  chapter.  The  plan 
of  work  then  adopted  has  been  faithfully  carried  out  as  the 
chronicles   will   testify. 

"To  educate  the  children  and  the  mothers,  to  bring  in- 
fluence to  bear  upon  pulpit  and  press,  and  to  bring  into 
activity  latent  forces,  powers  and  influence  of  Christian 
women." 

Mrs.  Cook  gave  an  able  address  the  last  evening,  spark- 
ling with  gems  of  thought,  and  full  of  inspiration. 

One  resolution  we  find  in  this  early  beginning  that  it 
would  be  well  to  have  repeated  in  every  county  and  local 
in  the  land,  viz :  "Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  con- 
vention refuse  to  deal  with  those  who  deal  in  intoxicating 
drink." 

Ninety  delegates  were  in  attendance.  The  first  even- 
ing Miss  Willard  delighted  every  one  with  her  inspiring 
magnetic,  forcible  address. 

The  second  evening  the  leading  feature  was  exercises 
by  two  "Bands  of  Hope."  They  were  introduced  by  their 
leaders,  Mrs.  H.  W.  Scott  and  Mrs.  S.  R.  Stubbs,  and  re- 
ceived by  Miss  Willard  and  Anna  Gordon. 

The  tour  through  Oregon  of  these  two  great  hearts  was 
one  continued  ovation ;  they  won  the  hearts  everywhere. 


MRS.   ELIZABETH  JANE  GRAVES   HINES, 

First  State  President. 


MRS.  ANNA  R.  RIGGS, 
Second  State  President. 


What,  of  the  "Going  Out,"? 


At  this  first  convention,  sixteen  departments  of  work 
were  taken  up. 

When  the  work  for  the  first  year  was  summed  up  at 
the  annual  gathering  at  Albany  (1884),  thirty-two  local 
unions,  two  district  presidents — Mrs.  Riggs  and  Mrs.  Ed- 
wards, and  nine  superintendents  of  departments  reported. 

Departments  were  represented  as  follows:  Scientific 
Instruction,  M.  E.  Hoxter;  Hygiene  and  Heredity,  Dr.  B. 
A.  Owens;  Sunday  School  Work,  Nora  Goltra  Williams: 
Young  Women's  Work,  Mrs.  J.  D.  Robb ;  State  and  County 
Fairs,  Mrs.  Celinda  Shipley;  Press  Work,  Mrs.  Louisa  A. 
Nash ;  Evangelistic,  Mrs.  Mary  Stubbs ;  Tobacco  Habit, 
Mrs.  Lucia  H.  F.  Additon. 

Of  the  general  officers  two  only  are  still  actually  at 
work  with  us — Madames  Riggs  and  Blaine. 

Of  the  sixteen  superintendents  only  five  are  still  on 
the  roll  call  of  active  members — Madames  Nash,  Williams, 
Hoxter,  Brown  and  Additon,  although  if  the  roll-call  of  the 
rank  and  file  could  be  called  many  old  faithful  veterans 
would  respond.    We  find  them  in  all  parts  of  the  state. 

Looking  over  the  list  of  delegates  of  this  early  year. 
we  note  of  the  forty-eight  present,  there  is  but  six  of 
these  early  workers,  active  workers  with  us  today.  Eight 
are  still  in  the  work,  but  in  other  states.  Four  have  passed 
to  life-land,  a  few  dropped  out  of  the  ranks. 

Mrs.  Mary  Clement  Leavitt,  of  Boston,  our  first  around 
the  world  missionary,  was  present  at  this  annual  gathering, 
stimulating  and  encouraging  by  her  helpful,  earnest  spirit 
and  wise  counsel. 

The  address  of  welcome  by  Mrs.  I.  G.  Turrell,  and  the 
response  by  Mrs.  Laura  Turner,  of  Portland,  proved  truly 
to  be  cornucopia's  brimming  full  of  rich  word  pictures  and 
breathing  a  deep  earnest  spirit  of  faith  and  love,  touching 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

the  hearts  and  setting  a  high  key  note  for  the  business  of 
the  day.    Here  are  a  few  choice  nuggets : 

"The  work  of  the  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Un- 
ion is  a  work  of  the  heart,  head  and  the  hands,  and  not  a 
mere  effort  of  words." 

''When  we  look  into  the  innocent  eyes  of  our  boys  and 
then  into  the  faces  of  some  men,  and  thence  to  the  saloon 
that  has  made  the  difference,  we  cease  to  wonder  that 
mothers  should  leave  the  sacred  precincts  of  home  and  go 
forth  to  meet  and  battle  with  the  destroyer  of  her  treasures." 

"There  is  in  the  heart  of  every  Christian  woman,  a  store 
of  good  thoughts,  a  wealth  of  kind  words,  a  shining  treas- 
ure of  smiles,  too  often  hoarded  from  sight  and  sound.  Oh, 
dispense  these  gifts  with  a  lavish  hand;  sow  broadcast  the 
seeds  of  charity  and  kindliness,  and  in  the  harvest  time 
the  bountiful  Giver  will  return  the  same  an  hundred  fold." 

The  principal  work  of  this  year  was  organization,  and 
a  study  on  the  part  of  superintendents  of  their  respective 
lines  of  work. 

The  young  woman's  work  was  placed  this  year  in  the 
hands  of  Henrietta  Brown,  who  proved  a  most  capable 
leader.  The  juvenile  work  was  taken  up  by  Mrs.  McCune, 
of  Amity ;  this  valued  worker  for  many  years  stood  in  the 
very  fore  front  of  the  battle. 

In  1885,  at  the  convention  held  in  East  Portland,  only 
two  years  from  the  date  of  organization,  Mrs.  M.  E.  Hox- 
ter,  superintendent  of  scientific  temperance  instruction  in 
public  schools,  opened  her  report  as  follows : 

"It  is  with  feelings  of  gratitude  to  God,  and  with  a  spirit 
of  thankfulness  to  all  who  helped  secure  results,  that  we 
report  a  compulsory  scientific  temperance  law  on  the  statute 
books  of  Oregon." 

The  records  reveal  little  of  the  work  in  the  various 
lines  necessary  to  secure  this  result,  and  its  inner  history 
cannot  be  written.  Petitions  were  circulated  faithfully  by 
the  entire  rank  and  file ;  lectures  delivered,  the  press  util- 
ized, to  keep  up  the  agitation,  and  last,  but  not  least,  our 
energetic  superintendent,  Mrs.  Hoxter,  was  untiring  in  her 

8 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

efforts,  and  together  with  Dr.  Owens  Adair  they  were  at 
the  sessions  of  the  legislature,  vigilant,  watchful,  not  ceas- 
ing their  efforts  till  they  were  crowned  with  success.  A 
little  incident  of  the  closing  of  this  great  campaign  was 
told  your  historian,  and  jotted  down  in  a  note  book  (those 
blessed  note  books).  I  will  give  it  to  you  as  it  was  there 
recorded : 

Our  representative,  worn  and  weary  with  marks  of  the 
"tug  of  war"  still  visible  on  her  face,  started  from  the  home 
of  her  hostess  (that  unstampedable  old  veteran,  Sister 
Ramp)  to  go  to  the  depot  to  return  to  Forest  Grove,  her 
home.  Not  feeling  like  walking  fast,  she  started  on  ahead 
of  her  hostess.  As  she  turned  a  corner,  a  cab  stopped ;  the 
driver  touching  his  hat,  said  : 

"Are  you  the  lady  who  has  been  working  at  the  capital 
for  that  temperance  bill?"  Mrs.  Hoxter  answered  in  the 
affirmative.  "Are  you  on  your  way  to  the  depot?"  "Yes." 
"Well,  I  would  feel  honored  to  have  the  privilege  of  having 
you  ride  in  my  cab."  And  dear,  tired  Mrs.  Hoxter  got  the 
much-needed  lift,  as  it  was  a  long  walk;  and  Mrs.  Ramp 
could  not  but  wonder  how  Mrs.  Hoxter  got  over  the  ground 
so  quickly. 

Mrs.  Ramp's  home  was  freely  opened  to  our  representa- 
tive during  the  legislative  session.  This  victory  was  scored 
in  the  midst  of  a  great  testing  time. 

In  the  response  to  the  welcome  that  year,  this  trying 
time  was  alluded  to  as  follows: 

"A  political  cyclone  swept  over  our  country  last  fall, 
leaving  some  traces  of  its  work  behind ;  but  thanks  be  to 
the  infinite  Father  above,  we  are  still  here,  and  here  to 
stay,  until  a  moral  cyclone  sweeps  our  country  and  annihi- 
lates the  liquor  traffic,  remember. 

"Our  human  hearts  oft  faint  and  feel  oppressed  and 
sad,  while  ills  are  near.  Ah!  often  heaviest  clouds  that 
rise  are  only  blessings  in  disguise." 

Mrs.  Henrietta  Moore,  national  lecturer,  now  an  or- 
dained minister  of  the  gospel,  was  with  us  during  this  try- 
ing period,  and  notwithstanding  all  discouragements,   did 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

good,  won  many  friends  back  to  us,  and#  delighted  every- 
one who  heard  her. 

Mrs.  Hines,  in  speaking  of  this  period  in  our  history, 
said: 

"A  political  cyclone  did  indeed  sweep  over  our  land, 
threatening  destruction  to  our  work.  Many  whom  we 
looked  upon  as  our  truest  and  best,  seemed  turning  from 
our  ranks ;  large  numbers  of  temperance  and  Christian 
people  withdrew  from  us  their  confidence  and  support. 
No  wonder  our  faith  was  tried,  our  courage  shaken.  But 
courage  came  back  to  the  hearts,  and  renewed  consecration 
in  the  life  began  to  be  manifest  and  our  Unions  took  up 
the  work  again  and  faced  the  future  with  a  confidence  truly 
heroic.  This  year,  so  full  of  testing  of  faith,  brought  little 
increase  of  membership.  But  we  came  through  it  unified, 
solidified  with  our  battle  shields  locked  closely  together 
as  we  faced  our  foe,  and  as  we  listened  to  the  reports  in 
East  Portland,  at  the  convention  of  1885,  we  could  liken 
our  temperance  structure  to  that  built  of  which  the  Mas- 
ter said :  "The  winds  blew  and  the  rains  descended  and 
beat  upon  the  house,  and  it  fell  not,  for  it  was  founded 
upon  a  rock." 

In  1885  Mrs.  Hines'  health  became  so  impaired  that 
she  was  unable  to  bear  longer  the  responsibility  of  the  of- 
fice, or  even  to  finish  the  year's  work.  She  had  done  hard 
pioneer  work,  and  was  dearly  beloved  by  her  entire  con- 
stituency, and  as  she  was  compelled  to  lay  down  the  burden, 
the  mantle  she  had  worn  so  graciously  fell  upon  the  shoul- 
ders of  Anna  R.  Riggs,  who  was  elected  Mrs.  Hines'  suc- 
cessor, and  proved  herself  an  indefatigable,  unstampedable 
leader;  no  journey  to  any  corner  ever  so  remote  or  diffi- 
cult but  what  was  cheerfully  undertaken.  The  unions  in- 
creased from  32  in  1886  to  83  in  1891,  with  a  membership 
of  195 1,  a  splendid  record,  surely. 

Corvallis  was  declared  the  banner  union  in  1885. 

Statistical  report  this  year  gave  number  of  unions,  40; 
Y's,  2;  Albany  and  Corvallis,  with  a  membership  of  78. 
Bands  of  Hope,   13;  membership  698;  legislation  and  pe- 

IO 


MRS.   XARCISSA   W'iHTK  KIXXKY, 
Third  State  President. 


h— 

K^^pw| 

Bra  ^^-"i  l^^h^Kk. 

:;J':fe;';|@^'lf;, 

MRS.  HELEN  D.  HARFORD, 
Fourth  State  President. 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

tition  work  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  Mrs.  W.  W.  Parker, 
of  Astoria ;  capital  and  labor  department  in  the  hands  of 
Mrs.  N.  C.  Bosworth. 

An  interesting  item  is  found  from  the  report  of  fairs 
and  public  gatherings : 

"No  doubt  you  are  all  aware  of  the  great  success  of 
the  National  W.  C.  T.  U.  booth  at  the  international  exhibi- 
tion in  New  Orleans. 

"Owing  to  the  untiring  efforts  of  a  few  of  our  workers, 
Oregon  was  enrolled  to  stand  proudly  by  the  side  of  the 
older  states  in  trying  to  manufacture  public  sentiment  in  the 
direction  of  temperance.  Many  of  you  saw  the  beautiful 
shield  made  of  Oregon  woods,  and  lettered  with  Oregon 
metal,  sent  by  Portland  Union,  a  unique  and  attractive  em- 
blem ;  and  the  lovely  banner,  painted  by  our  corresponding 
secretary,  Mrs.  Belle  Cook,  of  Salem,  who  is  an  artist,  our 
organization  is  proud  of;  and  the  most  excellent  and  ap- 
propriate painting  of  Mount  Hood  by  Mrs.  L.  C.  Pierce,  of 
Portland.  These  were  arranged  with  hundreds  of  others 
from  other  states,  with  exquisite  taste,  and  made  the  W. 
C.  T.  U.  booth  a  bower  of  beauty  and  loveliness." 

Another  item  here  recorded  was: 

"The  Oregon  Agricultural  Society  made  the  W.  C.  T. 
U.  promises  that  no  liquor  should  be  allowed  on  the  state 
fair  grounds." 

The  year  1885  was  made  memorable  by  the  coming  of 
Narcissa  White,  of  Pennsylvania,  a  national  organizer  and 
a  lecturer  of  rare  ability.  Miss  White  was  sent  by  the 
National,  to  the  Pacific  Coast  in  the  fall  of  1884,  to  the 
aid  of  the  Washington  W.  C.  T.  U.,  in  its  famous  cam- 
paign in  the  interest  of  prohibition  and  scientific  instruc- 
tion. Miss  White  was  considered  second  only  to  Mrs. 
Mary  Hunt  in  the  work  of  this  department.  Her  work  in 
Oregon  left  visible  results  in  strengthening  the  stakes  and 
enlarging  our  borders. 

J.  Ellen  Foster,  of  Iowa,  visited  a  few  of  the  larger 
towns,  leaving  behind  her  an  impress  of  her  eloquence  and 
energy. 

II 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Miss  Alice  Clawson  gave  two  months  to  Southern  and 
Eastern  Oregon,  organizing  and  inspiring.  Mrs.  Hines,  in 
a  brief  historic  sketch  in  1886,  says :  "But  while  these  vis- 
itors did  our  work  great  good,  our  home  workers,  by  their 
self-denying  labor,  were  doing  the  real  work  of  the  hour, 
by  working  for  the  amendment  and  scientific  temperance 
instruction,  working  as  best  they  could  with  the  means  at 
their  command.  Early  this  year  the  state  sustained  a 
great  loss  in  the  removal  of  their  faithful  Evangelistic  Su- 
perintendent Mary  Stubbs,  but  her  work  did  not  cease,  but 
the  influence  of  her  tender,  firm  and  wise  counsels  still 
lives  in  the  hearts  of  many  she,  through  the  providence  of 
God,  led  into  a  higher,  better  life. 

The  noble  work  among  seamen  under  her  leadership 
has   borne  definite  fruit. 

Mrs.  Stubbs,  in  her  last  report,  said  most  truly,  "The 
evangelistic  department  is  the  backbone  of  all  departments ; 
upon  the  prayerful  earnestness  with  which  this  is  carried 
on  depend  the  efficiency  of  all  the  rest."  And  she  warned 
us  against  contracting  spinal  disease.  Again  she  says, 
"We  must  not  allow  ourselves  to  degenerate  into  mere  tem- 
perance societies.  We  are  more,  or  we  have  fallen  far  be- 
low our  birthright." 

The  early  work  of  this  department  embraced  not  only- 
gospel  meetings  in  every  available  place,  but  the  sick  and 
dying  were  cared  for  and  often  the  superintendent  was 
called  to  aid  in  funeral  services.  Mrs.  Stubbs  also  kept 
(in  a  small  way)  an  intelligence  office,  and  so  tried  to  pro- 
vide for  poor  girls  seeking  work. 

Three  district  presidents  reported  this  year — first,  third, 
sixth — the  latter  by  Mrs.  W.  A.  Smick,  of  Roseburg,  who 
was  one  of  the  early  pioneer  workers  in  far  Southern  Ore- 
gon, Roseburg  being  one  of  the  oldest  Unions  (organiza- 
tion here  lapsed,  to  be  revived  in  1891).  This  year  the 
far  eastern  section  was  represented  for  the  first  time  by 
Mrs.  A.  M.  Raley,  of  Pendleton. 


12 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

In  1886  the  annual  gathering  convened  in  Corvallis, 
"the  heart  of  the  Valley,"  the  beautiful  garden  spot  of  Ore- 
gon. 

This  Union  had  come  in  as  banner  Union  last  year. 
The  banner  Union  may  well  be  in  Corvallis,  so  significant  in 
name,  for  verily  we  are  told,  "keep  thy  heart  with  all  dili- 
gence, for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life."  And  is  not  the 
great  army  trying  to  keep  the  enemy  away  from  the  home, 
and  from  stealing  the  hearts  ?  Mary  Byron  Reese,  national 
organizer,  and  one  of  the  original  crusaders,  was  present 
and  by  her  own  enthusiasm  enthused  the  whole  conven- 
tion. She  made  a  splendid  canvass  of  the  state  during  the 
year. 

Mrs.  E.  W.  Allen,  Mrs.  Riggs  and  Mrs.  Stubbs  united 
forces  in  some  important  mission  work,  with  good  results 
this  year.  One  of  the  important  items  of  legislative  work 
was  the  circulation  of  the  petition  for  the  scientific  tem- 
perance instruction  pending  in  the  United  States  congress. 

This  was  the  first  legislation  ever  won  from  the  United 
States  congress  on  the  temperance  question,  and  came  in 
response  to  the  persistent  efforts  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.,  under 
the  efficient  leadership  of  Mary  Hunt,  of  Boston.  The  fol- 
lowing letter  found  in  the  records  is  of  interest.     It  tells 

its  own  story: 

House  of  Representatives,  U.  S. 
Washington,  D.'C,  April  8,  1886. 

Rev.  Mrs.  Smick,  Roseburg,  Oregon. — Dear  Madam: 
Your  kind  letter  of  recent  date  is  before  me,  particularly  in 
regard  to  my  support  of  the  pending  bill  in  congress  for 
the  promotion  of  scientific  temperance  instruction.  Permit 
me  to  say  that  this  measure  shall  have  my  cordial  assist- 
ance, as  it  has  my  undivided  sympathy  and  approval. 

If  it  be  a  credit  to  my  permanent  home  town,  or  even  to 
my  state  I  rejoice  to  be  able  to  say  that  at  several  receptions 
in  this  city  to  officers  of  the  government  at  which  I  have 
been  invited  and  attended,  and  when  several  varieties  of 
wine  were  furnished  to  each  guest  (as  it  is  still  a  custom 
here)  one  of  the  only  guests  whose  glasses  remained  un- 
touched, was  the  representative  from  Oregon. 

13 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

I  do  not  approve  of  this  custom  which  brings  wine  to 
the  table  of  the  gentleman  and  lady  guest  by  the  side  of 
the  bread  and  meat,  and  thus  tempting  and  alluring  some 
unfortunate  one  to  violate  a  resolve  he  had  with  great  ef- 
fort made,  and  again  to  send  him  on  the  downward  path. 
To  the  young  man  it  weaves  the  fatal  way ;  and  this  cus- 
tom it  is  which  sends  into  exile  and  bankrupt  homes  so 
many  gifted  persons  who  come  here  the  honored  representa- 
tives of  a  state,  or  the  holders  of  high  commissions  in  of- 
ficial line,  with  habits  unblemished.  They  come  like  con- 
querors— they  go  away  like  the  galley  slaves.  Remember 
me  kindly  to  Mr.  Smick. 

Very  sincerely, 

BINGER  HERMANN. 

Mrs.  Smick  was  our  first  president  of  the  sixth  district, 
which  reached  out  to  the  farthest  southern  border. 

Although  Ashland  had  been  reported  as  organized  in 
1884  and  was  doing  fine  work,  owing  to  the  extreme  dis- 
tance to  conventions,  1886  was  the  first  time  they  were  rep- 
resented ;  the  delegate  was  Mrs.  J.  D.  Crocker.  Mrs.  Ann 
Hazeltine  Russel  was  president,  and  is  one  of  the  oldest 
pioneer  workers  in  temperance  in  the  "peach  paradise"  of 
Southern  Oregon. 

Flower  mission  work  reported  for  the  first  time  by 
Lizzie  Webb,  also  Sabbath  observance  by  Mrs.  Frances 
Russel,  of  Oakland,  and  work  among  foreigners  by  Mrs. 
Addie  Miller,  of  Portland. 

In  1887,  for  the  first  time,  the  convention  was  held 
across  the  mountains.  Mrs.  Esther  B.  French,  of  The 
Dalles,  our  first  superintendent  of  unfermented  wine  in 
churches,  welcomed  the  convention  most  graciously  to 
The  Dalles. 

The  records  make  note  of  an  interesting  music  service, 
especially  arranged  for  the  meeting  by  the  state  superin- 
tendent of  music.  It  would  be  a  wonderful  power  for  good 
if  special  music  services  could  be  more  often  arranged  for. 
History  records  many  remarkable  victories  won  through 
the  power  of  song. 

14 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

At  this  convention  the  war  cry  was  sounded  for  the 
prohibition   amendment   campaign. 

A  lecture  bureau  was  organized;  the  ablest  speakers  to 
be  obtained  were  kept  in  the  field ;  all  Oregon  was  aflame 
for  prohibition,  and  yet  the  amendment  failed  to  carry, 
but  rich  gains  were  realized  in  the  stronger  cementing  of 
the  links  of  the  temperance  chain,  unifying  the  forces  for 
united  action,  as  the  marked  results  of  the  battle 
for  "Home  versus  the  saloon." 

No  record  of  this  great  campaign  would  be  complete 
without  special  mention  of  that  "Little  Giant/'  as  he  was 
called  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Webb,  grand,  inspiring,  courageous 
"Brother  Webb."  No  one  thought  of  calling  him  by  any 
other  name.  He  lectured,  preached,  sang,  wrote  campaign 
songs,  all  full  of  hot  shot ;  such  work  cannot  die  and  is  not 
dead.  Then  there  is  a  dear  old  face  comes  to  me;  maybe 
the  bonnet  was  not  on  straight,  but  the  eyes  were  full  of 
love  for  humanity,  the  heart  on  fire  for  the  redemption  of 
souls,  her  every  thought  and  purpose  closely  interwoven 
with  W.  C.  T.  U.  history  for  years;  faithful,  noble,  Jane 
Wheedon,  thee  will  always  live  in  our  hearts,  wherever 
thou  mayest  go.  God  bless  thee.  We  could  not  write  her 
part  in  this  history,  for  she  never  let  her  right  hand  know 
what  her  left  hand  doeth.  One  incident  in  her  career  is 
so  characteristic  of  her  great  nature.  It  is  as  fresh  in  my 
mind  as  if  it  occurred  but  yesterday. 

Jane  was  on  the  peaceful  warfare  in  Benton  county. 
Yaquina  bay  and  vicinity  needed  workers  badly.  Jane  was 
more  than  willing  to  go. 

A  railroad  pass  was  secured  over  the  C.  P.  R.  R. 
through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Wallis  Nash,  one  of  our 
staunch  and  true  honoraries.  A  hotel  keeper  ofTered  her 
free  entertainment.  That  was  all  that  could  be  promised 
by  way  of  helping  pave  the  way.  Now  Jane  was  much  ad- 
verse to  troubling  any  one  unnecessarily,  so  she  made  care- 
ful inquiry  as  to  who  the  most  influential  man  in  the  city 
was,  and  was  informed  it  was  a  Mr.  B ,  and  was  di- 
rected to  his  place  of  business,  early  in  the  morning  after 

*5 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

her  arrival,  armed  with  handbills  to  advertise  herself;  she 
sallied  forth  to  find  this  influential  man ;  she  found  the 
Palace  saloon  of  the  place.  Not  to  be  daunted,  she  marched 
bravely   in,   told  the   bartender   her   errand,   that   she  had 

been  directed  to  Mr.  B as  the  most  influential  man  in 

the  town ;    she  wanted  his  help.     Mr.  B was  out,  but 

she  was  assured  that  he  would  do  all  he  could  for  her. 
Did  he  ?  Surely ;  he  got  the  band  out,  hired  a  hall,  gave 
''the  boys"  that  frequented  his  place  money  to  put  in  the 
contribution  box,  gave  her  a  rousing  "send-off,"  and  you 
may  depend  upon  it  Jane  did  her  part  in  pressing  home  to 
the  hearts,  through  the  crust  of  ungodliness,  great  burn- 
ing truths. 

History  reveals  the  fact  that  Mr.  B went  out  of 

business  shortly  after. 

Jane  never  told  this,  but  an  eye  witness  gave  the  facts ; 
we  jotted  them  down. 

We  are  glad  to  be  able  to  record  that  the  Oregon  women 
sent  their  contributions  toward  the  testimonial  tablet  in 
Willard  Hall  for  Jane.  No  one  whose  memory  is  there 
perpetuated,  ever  gave  more  loyal  devoted  service,  how  she 
tramped  up  and  down  the  land,  through  sun  and  rain,  get- 
ting up  "baby  bands."  We  would  have  been  glad  to  have 
recorded  the  list  of  names  of  these  little  ones,  and  the 
number  of  dimes  raised  for  the  temple.  But  we  must  pass 
on.  Yet,  how  we  love  to  linger  over  the  work  of  this  noble 
woman. 

During  this  hot  campaign,  we  had  the  aid  of  many 
speakers  of  national  reputation.  Henrietta  Skelton,  a  most 
earnest  worker  from  California,  a  national  organizer,  did 
most  valuable  work  among  the  Germans. 

Mary  Lathrop,  often  called  our  Daniel  Webster,  gave 
twenty-five  grand  lectures.  Colonel  Woodford,  Hughes  and 
Ward,  Colonel  Campbell,  Professor  Crowhurst  and  others 
gave  valuable  aid  in  the  field.  The  pastors  of  our  state 
stood  grandly  in  the  fore  front,  doing  valiant  work. 


16 


MRS.  MARY  M.  BLAIX 
First  State  Treasurer. 


MRS.  LOUISA  A.  NASH, 
First  Press  Superintendent. 


MRS.  HENRIETTA  BROWN, 
First  Y.  Secretary. 


After  the  Battle 


In  1888  the  clans  gathered  in  the  classic  city  of  Eugene, 
where  Mrs.  Condon  and  her  score  of  noble  helpers  were 
making  temperance  sentiment  deep  and  lasting.  The  smoke 
of  the  battle  had  scarcely  cleared  away,  yet  no  one  could 
have  believed  this  army  was  meeting  directly  on  the  eve 
of  a  defeat.  Verily  there  was  no  note  of  discouragement 
or  defeat  sounded ;  braver  hearts  never  enlisted  than  those 
engaged  in  the  war  for  home  and  protection  for  the  child. 
All  had  not  been  of  one  mind  as  to  methods  in  carrying 
on  the  warfare,  yet  there  was  a  magnanimous  leveling  of 
differences,  while  each  stood  shoulder  to  shoulder,  holding 
aloft  their  banners,  "Our  boys  and  not  the  saloon." 

Nobly  did  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  and  the  educators 
of  the  state  fight  hand  in  hand.  Literature  had  been  found 
to  be  a  mighty  lever  under  public  opinion  to  pry  it  up  out 
of  darkness  to  light. 

Mary  L.  Driggs,  who  for  a  long  time  was  the  main  stay 
at  Oregon  City,  was  literature  superintendent  during  this 
trying  time. 

"The  Prohibition  Star"  was  the  official  organ  of  the 
temperance  forces  and  was  kept  overflowing  with  facts, 
keen,  telling,  pithy  and  true;  truths  that  forged  their  way 
through  mighty  obstructions.  The  state  W.  C.  T.  U.  of- 
fered a  prize  banner  to  the  county  polling  the  largest  vote 
for  the  amendment,  and  it  was  a  beautiful  flag,  the  flag  of 
our  country.  It  was  won  by  Linn  county,  and  was  pre- 
sented at  this  convention  at  Eugene.  The  presentation 
speech  was  made  by  Rev.  W.  E.  Wire,  and  received  by  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Wilson,  who  was  county  delegate.  Mrs.  Wil- 
son is  one  of  our  veterans.  It  is  a  great  loss  to  this  his- 
tory that  the  brilliant  bit  of  oratory  on  this  occasion  was 
not  put  into  print. 

17 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

One  of  the  factors  in  Linn's  victory  was  doubtless  the 
efficient  work  done  in  the  labor  department  by  their  super- 
intendent of  that  department,  Rev.  H.  P.  Webb.  He  gath- 
ered most  telling  statistics  from  their  own  field,  had  this 
collection  of  facts  and  figures  put  into  a  handy  form  of 
leaflets  and  posters.  Such  work  might  be  duplicated  with 
most  telling  results  for  the  advancement  of  the  cause. 
These  figures  "from  home"  were  eye  openers. 

Mrs.  N.  J.  Wallace,  the  energetic  lecture  bureau  su- 
perintendent, during  these  stirring  times,  sent  in  the  fol- 
lowing unique  report.  It  will  be  appreciated  by  all  those 
who  have  served  in  like  capacity : 

"One  year  ago,  the  Oregon  State  Lecture  Department  was 
a  creature  of  tender  age,  and  the  work,  apparently,  both 
novel  and  magnificent  to  contemplate.  With  a  miniature  map 
of  the  state  one  could  conduct  the  imaginary  lecturer  along 
the  line  of  travel  right  royally,  but  with  the  actual  presence 
of  the  lecturer  come  distracting  details,  which  are  for  the 
most  part  utterly  unadjustable,  and  the  bureau  becomes  a 
target  at  which  "His  or  Her  Majesty,  the  'Discourse^'  ' 
hurls  postal  card  imprecations ;  all  of  which,  indirectly 
as  it  were,  but  with  marked  plainness,  say :  "Thou  art  the 
woman,"  etc. ;  so,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  we  started 
out  a  most  "likely"  child,  as  the  campaign  advanced  we 
aged  rapidly,  until  at  the  present  writing  we  abound  in  sage 
advice,  rich  experience,  and  are  ready  to  adopt  for  "The 
Bureau"  Rollo  Kirk  Bryant's  method  of  disposing  of  the 
Republican  party,  simply  "disintegrate,"  with  the  firm  con- 
viction that  lecture  superintendents,  like  college  presidents, 
are  born,  not  made.  The  department  was  organized  at  a 
time  when  there  was  a  demand  for  vigorous  work,  and  with 
an  empty  exchequer,  was  ill  fitted  for  aggressive  work." 
The  services  of  Mrs.  Henrietta  Skelton  were  secured,  and 
she  "led  off"  in  a  thorough  canvass  of  the  state  in  behalf  of 
German  voters.  At  length,  after  a  voluminous  correspond- 
ence with  some  half  dozen  national  lecturers,  we  were  able 
to  secure  one  other  prominent  helper  in  the  person  of  Mrs. 
Mary  T.  Lathrop,  of  Michigan,  who  delivered  about  twenty - 

18 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

five  telling  lectures,  and  we  are  satisfied  with  the  choice,  that 
it  was  wise.  The  public  were  somewhat  wearied  with 
"moral  suasion,"  and  clamoring  for  tangible  argument. 
Mrs.  L.'s  style  was  logical,  forcible  and  carried  conviction 
with  it;  and  followed  by  Col.  A.  B.  Campbell,  with  facts, 
fair  dealing  and  eloquence,  arrested,  impressed  and  shaped 
sentiment  in  favor  of  the  amendment,  and  so,  the  veteran 
feeling,  talking  medium  state  lecture  bureau  department 
sends  greeting. 

Yours  "in  the  toils," 

N.  J.  WALLACE. 
Salem,  May  8,  1888. 

Since  that  far  away  day,  we  have  found  the  woman 
we  believe  to  be  a  "born  lecture  bureau  woman,"  in  the 
person  of  Henrietta  Brown,  of  Albany,  and  the  perplexing 
intricate  work  of  arranging  dates  to  move  on  delightfully 
smooth  has  been  reduced  to  systematic  accuracy. 

Mrs.  Parker,  our  legislative  superintendent,  gave  the 
local  Unions  much  praise  for  grand  petition  work. 

The  petition  for  protection  of  women  failed  to  reach 
its  second  reading,  thus  seeming  like  defeat.  Mrs.  Parker's 
reports  were  always  full  of  hope.  This  year  she  closed 
with  these  earnest   words: 

"But  He  who  planted  in  the  hearts  of  His  beloved,  that 
'divine  unrest,'  which  forbids  the  enjoyment  of  selfish  ease, 
while  humanity  groans  beneath  its  burdens,  will  not  fail  to 
stand  beside  us  through  the  darkest  hours,  and  by  the  help 
of  His  blessed  spirit,  and  for  His  own  precious  sake,  give 
us  victory  at  last.  Sisters,  let  the  thought  that  in  working 
for  humanity  we  are  laboring  for  God  and  eternity,  thrill 
our  souls  and  nerve  our  hands,  and  carry  us,  if  need  be, 
into  the  thickest  of  the  fight  for  'God  and  home  and  native 
land 

There  was  rejoicing  in  the  ranks  this  year  over  the  re- 
turn of  the  silver  tongued  orator  Narcissa  White,  returning 
not  as  Miss  White,  but  Mrs.  Marshall  Kinney,  the  hon- 
ored wife  of  one  of  our  prominent  business  men  and  a 
staunch   prohibitionist. 

19 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Mrs.  Mary  Edwards,  through  her  untiring  zeal  and  fine 
executive  ability,  together  with  the  earnest  co-operation  of 
her  county  workers,  was  enabled  to  report  her  district  as  the 
first  to  wheel  in  line  in  county  organization. 

The  counties  were  first  organized,  so  far  as  records 
show,  as  follows: 

Yamhill,  March,  1887,  Mrs-  Martin,  president;  Benton, 
September,  1887,  Mrs.  L.  H.  Additon,  president;  Lane, 
January,  1890,  Mrs.  C.  J.  Condon,  president,  (now  passed 
on  to  life-land  to  join  Frances  and  the  others)  ;  Umatilla, 
1890,  E.  G.  Bond,  president;  Polk,  1890,  Lucy  Whiteaker, 
president;  Sherman,  1890,  Maggie  Eaton,  president,  (Miss 
Eaton's  record  as  president  of  Sherman  county  stands  our. 
in  shining  colors ;  few  have  been  her  equal  in  aggressive 
work);  Linn,  1891,  Mary  E.  Blaine,  president;  Multno- 
mah, 1891,  Mrs.  Amelia  Mead,  president,  (Mrs.  Mead  after- 
ward state  evangelist,  is  now  in  Skagway,  Alaska)  ;  Un- 
ion, 1891,  Henrietta  Ownby,  president,  (this  dear  conse- 
crated sister  has  passed  to  life-land)  ;  Washington,  Mrs. 
H.  S.  Spangler,  president,  (Mrs.  Spangler  has  removed  to 
Washington  state;  what  is  our  great  loss  is  Washington's 
gain;  no  one  in  our  ranks  has  served  more  loyally,  faith- 
fully or  is  more  beloved)  ;  Wasco,  1893,  Esther  French, 
president;  Jackson,  1893,  Mrs.  D.  E.  Hyde,  president; 
Marion,   1893,  Mrs.  H.   S.  Spangler,  president ;    Douglas, 

1894,  Mrs.  Mary  Jewett,  president,  (another  of  our  faith- 
ful, noble  workers  who  I  find  has  left,  we  believe  moved 
to  California)  ;  Coos,  Mrs.  A.  R.  Scott,  president;  Morrow. 

1895,  Mrs.  Hannah  Briggs,  president ;  Clatsop,  1898,  Mrs. 
L.  J.  Trumbull,  president ;  Baker,  1900,  Mrs.  Mary  Saxton, 
president. 

These  counties  have,  some  of  them,  lapsed,  some  re- 
organized, a  few  not  at  present  organized,  but  these  dates 
are  as  correct  as  records  would  give  us. 

If  the  history  of  each  of  these  county  presidents  could 
be  written,  an  interesting  volume  would  be  the  result,  from 
Mrs.  Hyde,  who  has  so  wisely  and  well  planned  for  Jack- 
son county,  to  Mrs.  Saxton,  afterward  appointed  state  or- 

20 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

ganizer.  who  gave  such  efficient  service  in  the  extreme 
eastern  border;  and  then  with  that  old  homeguard  of  Polk, 
Lucy  Whiteaker,  midway  with  Mrs.  Jewett,  in  the  lovely 
little  town  of  Gardner  on  the  coast,  watching  their  fields, 
planning  for  workers.  Yes,  all  of  them,  without  exception, 
we  need  not  repeat  their  names,  faithful  and  loyal,  doing 
what  their  hands  found  to  do  with  all  their  might. 

To  give  some  idea  of  the  character  of  the  work  done  for 
"those  who  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships,"  we  will  make  a 
few  brief  extracts  from  reports  as  recorded. 

Mrs.  McCormac,  of  Astoria,  writes  of  fifty  visits  aboard 
ships,  meetings  made  for  sailors  in  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  rooms, 
and  in  her  own  home ;  special  temperance  meeting  in  Rescue 
hall,  pledge  signing  being  a  marked  feature,  17,000  pages  of 
literature.  The  same  year  in  Portland,  Mrs.  Dalgleish,  the 
firm  friend  of  the  sailor  lad,  Friday  evening  socials,  held 
in  the  Seamen's  hall ;  the  latch-string  of  Mrs.  Dalgleish's 
beautiful  home  always  out  for  the  sailor  boy,  sailor  boys 
always  on  hand  and  greatly  appreciated.  Miss  C.  W.  Burns 
was  a  faithful  worker  in  this  line.  Gardiner  reported  pray- 
erful work  being  done,  Madames  Brownell  and  Jewett  keep- 
ing the  fires  there  bright. 

The  department  of  Narcotics  is  one  also  of  great  in- 
terest when  we  note  the  evolution  of  it. 

It  was  first  called  anti-tobacco  department,  and  was  not 
an  easy  one  to  develop,  notwithstanding  it  has  grown  to 
be  so  popular  now.     It  took   deep  ploughing  and   brave 

ing  of  seed  at  the  beginning.  It  took  courage  born 
of  sincere  conviction  to  deliver  lectures  against  the  use  of 
tobacco.  Yes,  even  to  distribute  literature  on  the  subject ; 
such  a  universal  evil  was  hard  to  strike  at ;  public  senti- 
ment has  in  no  line  made  more  advance. 

The  time  of  the  breaking  of  the  first  ground  way  back- 
in  1884,  is  fresh  in  the  memory  of  your  historian,  because 
it  marks  a  milestone  in  her  own  life,  and  it  surely  is  not 
out  of  order  to  here  record  the  fact,  that  the  first  lecture 
your  humble  servant  (now  national  lecturer)  gave  was  in 
1884,  when  turning  over  the  first  sod  in  the  hard  ground 
of  the  public  mind,  to  prepare  it  for  seed  thoughts  against 

21 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

the  deadly  weed.  The  reading  of  papers  was  easy,  but  to 
face  a  church,  filled  with  critical  eyes,  to  publicly  expound 
was  not  as  easy.  This  first  lecture  was  in  McMinnville ;  at 
the  close  of  the  lecture  a  minister  of  the  gospel  came  for- 
ward, extending  his  hand,  and  said:  "God  be  praised  for 
your  courageous  words,  sister ;  bless  you  for  the  truths  you 
have  so  fearlessly  uttered,  and  may  they  inspire  us  all  to 
have  courage  to  fight  this  awful  evil." 

Two  items  on  record  should  here  be  entered:  Stayton 
in  1886,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Cole,  president,  reported  the  following 
petition  drawn  up  and  signed  by  every  woman  over  eigh- 
teen, with  three  exceptions,  in  the  town  and  presented  to 
every  merchant  who  sold  tobacco: 

"We,  the  undersigned,  do  beg  and  pray  of  you,  the  mer- 
chants of  Stayton,  not  to  sell  or  give  tobacco  in  any  form 
or  shape  to  our  boys  or  our  neighbors'  boys  under  sixteen 
years  of  age.  And  we  do  earnestly  beg  you  will  discourage 
the  use  of  tobacco  by  boys  of  all  ages."  We  find  no  report 
of  the  result. 

Salem  reported  that  in  1881,  when  J.  C.  Crawford  was 
mayor,  the  city  council  passed  an  anti-tobacco  to  minors 
law,  but  feared  it  was  a  dead  letter.  These  reports  antedate 
the  now  existing  state  law. 

Mrs.  Sarah  Kern,  our  present  able  superintendent,  was 
third  in  line,  she  having  succeeded  Dr.  Lydia  Hunt  King. 
In  1889  sentiment  had  begun  to  crystallize  toward  the  se- 
curing of  a  law  against  the  use  of  tobacco  to  minors,  and 
the  passage  of  this  law  marks  a  special  milestone  (law 
being  approved  February,  1889).  The  law  gave  a  new 
impetus  to  the  work,  and  Mrs.  Kern  has  put  forth  every 
effort  toward  the  strengthening  of  it,  which  has  since  been 
accomplished. 

The  capital  city  was  our  gathering  point  for  1889. 
Major  Hilton  has  been  with  us  and  his  work  will  long  be 
remembered.  His  visit  brought  a  spiritual  quickening 
among  the  members  themselves  as  a  result  of  his  wonderful 
Bible  readings,  and  he  also  caused  a  great  stirring  up  of 

22 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

"dry  bones,"  by  his  forcible  presentation  of  facts  at  his 
evening  lectures. 

Legislative  work  this  year  was  full  of  interest.  Our 
tried  and  tested  superintendent,  Mrs.  Parker,  told  of  the 
untiring  efforts  of  the  state  president  at  the  legislature,  re- 
sulting in  the  securing  of  an  appropriation  of  $5000  for 
the  biennial  term,  for  the  Refuge  Home,  located  at  Port- 
land ;  also  of  a  bill  introduced  and  strenuous  efforts  made 
to  secure  its  passage,  raising  the  "age  of  consent,"  from 
14  to  18.  Dr.  Owens  Adair,  then  one  of  Portland's  lead- 
ing physicians,  went  to  Salem  to  unite  her  efforts  with 
Mrs.  Riggs,  and  they  obtained  the  promise  of  support  from 
many  members  of  the  legislature,  only  to  have  the  bill 
"snowed  under"  through  the  opposition  of  the  chairman 
of  the  committee  to  which  it  was  referred.  Records  do 
not  give  this  man's  name,  but  rest  assured,  that  the  records 
that  are  kept  to  the  end  of  things  will  reveal  it,  and  the 
consequences  thereof  be  sure. 

Mrs.  Hines,  the  former  beloved  president,  was  too  ill 
to  be  present  at  the  convention.     A  telegram  of  love  sent 
her  received  the  following  answer: 
"State  W.  C.  T.  U.  Convention,  care  of  Mrs.  A.  R.  Riggs : 

"Greeting  and  love.    Read  Psalm  xlvi:i-n. 

"(Signed)     MRS.  H.  K.  HINES." 

The  fifth  district,  embracing  Union,  Grant  and  Baker 
counties,  a  field  of  magnificent  proportions  and  possibilities, 
and  also  difficulties,  was  reported  by  the  district  president, 
Mrs.  Belle  Kennedy,  giving  account  of  a  tour  of  state  presi- 
dent into  the  unworked  fields,  and  followed  by  splendid  re- 
sults. 


23 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 


THE  W.  C.  T.  U. 

By  Eva  Emery  Dye. 

Like  the  old  Crusader  on  Saracen  hills. 
The  heart  of  our  Union  exultingly  thrills; 
Hope,  health,  and  the  promise  of  conquest  are  ours, 
We  plead  not  for  ease  nor  for  couches  of  flowers, 
For  the  war  we've  enlisted,  we're  armed  for  the  strife 
And  the  battle  that  ends  but  with  ending  of  life. 
The  shots  may  be  falling  in  tempests  of  flame. 
Some  heroes  may  leave  but  a  grave  and  a  name, 
But  our  ranks  close  up  and  our  lines  march  ahead. 
With  a  smile  for  the  living,  a  sigh  for  the  dead. 
There  are  foemen  to  fall  at  the  stroke  of  our  steel, 
There  are  wrongs  to  be  righted  and  sorrows  to  heal. 
There  are  millions  that  cry  for  delivering  hands 
To  shatter  oppression  and  break  off  their  bands. 
There  are  nations  to  conquer  and  kingdoms  to  win, 
A  cry  of  entreaty  rolls  under  the  din 
Of  markets  and  cities  and  railways  and  ships, 
Humanity  calling  with  livid  white  lips 
For  the  white-ribbon  army  to  march  in  its  might. 
To  scatter  the  darkness  and  bring  in  the  light. 
O  comrades,  my  comrades,  the  world  is  awake, 
The  seas  in  commotion  heave  higher  and  break 
On  the  time-worn  shores  of  convention  and    form, 
As  tidal  waves  tell  of  the  on-coming  storm. 
Men,  men  is  the  cry,  and  women  of  worth. 
To  march  in  the  vanguard  of  truth  on  the  earth. 
Whose  pennons  shall  gleam  ever  bright  in  the  sun, 
Till  the  conflict  is  ended,  the  battle  is  won. 
Though  we  seem  but  a  handful  we  hear  the  firm  tread 

Of  the  army  of  Progress,  aye  marching  ahead, 
And  our  feet  fly  to  join  them,  we  fling  away  fears, 
Not  drafted  we  go,  but  as  bold  volunteers. 
Around  and  about  us  the  drum-beat  is  heard. 
To  new  resolution  the  nation  is  stirred, 
The  tents  have  been  struck  and  the  banners  unfurled. 
Our  ranks  are  out  marching  wide  over  the  world. 
Oregon  City,  Oregon.  November  13,  1890. 


24 


MRS.  M.  E.  HOXTER, 
First  Superintendent  of  Scientific  Temperance  Instruction. 


MRS.  INEZ  PARKER, 
First   Superintendent  of  Legislation  and  Petition. 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

In  1890  the  forces  gathered  at  their  birthplace,  Port- 
land. A  pleasing  feature  of  this  convention  was  the  pre- 
sentation of  a  state  flag  to  the  county  having  the  largest 
increase  of  membership,  Coos  county  gaining  it.  This  ban- 
ner or  rather  flag,  for  it  is  a  "star-spangled  banner,"  has 
a  history  all  its  own.  It  has  been  a  great  traveler,  has 
crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  Paris  exposition,  in  company 
with  a  shield,  a  most  unique  device,  belonging  to  Port- 
land Union,  made  of  Oregon  woods  and  metals. 

These  trophies  have  gone  together  testifying  for  "God 
and  humanity"  at  national  conventions,  at  New  Orleans 
fair,  was  in  evidence  in  Boston  at  the  organization  of  the 
world's  W.  C.  T.  U.  It  shows  the  marks  of  time,  but  is 
still  in  evidence  at  state  gatherings. 

A  memorial  service  was  held  in  memory  of  Mrs.  Hines, 
their  former  beloved  president,  who  passed  from  earth  to 
heaven  January  of  this  year.  (See  memorial  in  appendix.) 

A  marked  increase  of  interest  in  the  kindergarten  de- 
partment is  on  record  this  year,  under  the  leadership  of 
that  sweet  spirited  comrade,  Marie  Aerne,  who  threw  her 
whole  soul  into  the  effort  to  keep  before  the  people  the 
principles  of  Froebel.  An  institute  was  held  by  Mrs.  E.  J. 
Green,  national  kindergarten  worker.  She  gave  five  in- 
structive parlor  lectures,  secured  a  class  for  study,  and 
although  this  class  was  small,  it  is  believed  the  seed  sown 
then  culminated  in  work  outside  our  organization  later  on. 

The  jail  and  prison  work  was  of  special  interest  this 
year.  Mrs.  Fannie  Montgomery,  as  state  superintendent, 
Multnomah  county,  reported  two  hundred  conversions  in 
the  jail,  thirty  in  the  almshouse.  A  testimony  came  to  Mrs. 
Montgomery  from  Kansas.  A  woman  wrote  that  her  hus- 
band had  been  arrested  and  placed  in  the  county  jail  at 
Portland,  was  converted  and  after  release  went  home  and 
she  wrote  to  say  that  where  as  once  her  home  was  hell,  now 
it  was  heaven.     Praise  God  for  such  testimony. 

Another  touching  testimony  came  from  Benton  county, 
the  conversion  of  a  young  man  in  the  almshouse.  He  was 
injured  on  the  railroad  :   he  had  saved  none  of  his  earnings. 

25 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

To  use  his  own  words  "he  had  blown  them  all  in."  He 
had  been  well  reared ;  he  did  not  want  his  mother  in  Iowa 
to  know  his  condition.  Under  the  motherly  care  of  the 
matron  of  the  almshouse,  a  White  Ribboner,  Mrs.  Emerick, 
he  was  converted,  his  mother  communicated  with,  and  when 
able  to  travel  the  White  Ribboners  sent  him  home,  and  a 
letter  from  the  mother  gives  the  finishing  touch  to  the  story : 

"My  White  Ribbon  Sisters,  I  thank  God  for  you ;  I, 
too,  am  a  White  Ribboner.  You  have  sent  home  my  boy  to 
me  and  best  of  all  you  have  sent  him  home  washed  white. 
Praise  the  Lord !" 

Many  a  wandering  boy  found  his  Saviour  in  that  alms- 
house. 

We  sincerely  regret  that  so  few  of  these  touching  inci- 
dents are  on  our  records,  but  they  are  all  recorded  in  the 
book  of  life. 

A  local  report  of  literature  this  year  is  worthy 
a  place  in  these  annals.  Postofiice  crusade  kept  up  accord- 
ing to  Miss  Willard's  recommendation.  Assorted  bundles 
of  literature  kept  constantly  on  hand  for  those  who  live  out 
of  town  far  away.  Bundles  put  weekly  in  farmers'  wagons 
(not  one  ever  known  to  have  been  thrown  out).  Almshouse 
and  jail  supplied.  Quantities  sent  to  state  prison.  One 
milliner  and  one  grocer  put  leaflets  in  parcels  going  out 
from  their  stores.  Books  "Our  Country,"  "Wasted  Re- 
sources," etc.,  etc.,  in  circulating  loan  library.  Union  Signal, 
Voice  and  like  papers  kept  constantly  on  the  wing;  donated 
books  to  a  Sunday  school  library ;  75  new  books  in  their  own 
reading  room  library ;  shut-in  mothers  and  children  remem- 
bered with  scrap  books  and  good  reading;  even  sent  some 
books  to  an  isolated  family  in  an  Eastern  state;  sent  money 
to  aid  the  foreign  department. 

The  superintendent  had  three  assistants.  Hundreds  of 
pounds  of  literature  that  could  not  be  counted  by  pages, 
found  its  way  to  remote  sections  of  the  state. 

On  reading  this  report  and  remembering  this  was  only 
one  little  local  Union  and  that  we  had  forty-five  Unions 
that  year,  we  said  to  ourselves,  "and  yet  there  are  people 

26 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

who  are  constantly  asking  what  has  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  ever 
done?" 

The  need  of  a  reform  school  for  incorrigible  boys,  that 
they  should  not  be  sent  to  jail  to  be  shut  up  with  old  har- 
dened offenders,  was  felt  to  be  very  pressing.  Immediately 
the  Unions  began  to  agitate  the  matter  and  aided  materially 
in  creating  public  sentiment,  resulting  in  the  founding  of 
the  present  "reform  school"  near  Salem. 


THE   HEAVENLY   TREASURE    HOUSE. 


'Mid  all  your  work  do  you  ever  dream 

Of  treasures  up  in  heaven? 
The  child  heaps  up  its  sticks  and  toys, 
Its  treasure-house  among  its  joys, 
In  youth's  fair  vision  vessels  gleam, 

And  lights  from  some  rich  haven. 

Man's  work  is  hard.     His  thoughts  are  full 

Of  bargains  to  be  driven; 
His  coffers  fill,  make  rich  his  life, 
But  dreams  he  'mid  this  petty  strife 
That  the  bloom  will  shed,  like  the  flowers  you  cull, 

That  he'd  better  plant  for  heaven? 

Tis  beauty's  dream  that  fills  the  artist's  brush. 

For  beauty  he  has  striven. 
And  if  life's  background  rich  we  paint 
With  heavenly  graces;  love's  constraint, 
Upon  our  soul's  gleams  soft  th'  etherial  flush 

Of  treasure  light  from  heaven. 

We  dream  the  Christ-life  o'er  again, 

The  precious  life  once  riven 
Our  dreams  hold  fast.     Enrich  our  day, 
While  others  pass  like  clouds  away; 
They  wake  to  naught,  while  we  have  won 
The  likeness  to  our  God,  and  rise 
Full  satisfied  in  glad  surprise 

To  treasure  up  in  heaven! 

L.  A.  NASH. 


27 


Pacific  Coast  Conference 


No  event  in  the  entire  history  stands  out  with  more 
prominence  than  the  Pacific  coast  conference  of  1891.  The 
plan  for  this  gathering  originated  simultaneously  with  Mrs. 
Riggs,  president  of  Oregron,  and  Mrs.  Johnson,  ex-president 
of  California.  They  met  at  Chicago  in  1890,  and,  together 
with  Mrs.  Lucy  Switzer,  of  Washington,  planned  to  hold 
it  in  Portland.  Mrs.  Riggs  put  her  forces  at  work  at  once, 
and  pushed  the  plan  to  a  grand  realization. 

Representatives  were  present  from  East  and  West  Wash- 
ington, Idaho,  North  and  South  California ;  Mrs.  Caroline 
Buell  and  Miss  Esther  Pugh,  corresponding  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  the  National  W.  C.  T.  U.,  were  present;  also 
Col.  and  Mrs.  Bain,  of  Kentucky,  and  other  distinguished 
guests.  Miss  Frances  E.  Gotshall,  who  came  to  us  from 
Illinois,  although  a  young  woman,  was  a  veteran  W.  C.  T. 
U.  worker,  having  been  to  the  "manor  born/'  mother, 
father,  grandmother  and  aunts,  all  White  Ribboners.  This 
accomplished  worker  joined  us  in  1890,  and  on  her  de- 
volved the  task  of  chairman  of  entertainment  at  this  con- 
ference. As  our  state  convention  convened  just  prior  to 
the  opening  of  the  conference,  making  a  week's  entertain- 
ment, and  as  Portland  had  entertained  the  convention  in 
1890,  the  position  was  no  sinecure,  but  Miss  Gotshall  filled 
it  in  the  efficient  manner  which  characterized  all  her  work. 

One  of  the  social  features  of  the  conference  was  a  re- 
ception at  the  home  of  one  of  our  state  superintendents, 
Mrs.  R.  T.  Rankin.  The  beautiful  Rankin  home  on  Port- 
land Heights  was  open  to  the  public  from  2  to  5.  The 
floral  decorations  showed  the  artistic  skill  of  the  charming 
young  daughter  of  the  hostess — Miss  Anna  Rankin ;  a  de- 
lightful program  of  high  order  was  furnished.  At  the 
close  of  the  reception,  the  guests  from  abroad,  together  with 

28 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

the  local  reception  committee,  sat  down  to  an  elegant 
banquet. 

The  guests  were  Col.  and  Mrs.  Bain,  Madames  Sturte- 
vant-Peet,  Stevens,  Edholme,  Spencer,  McComas  and  Wiley, 
of  California ;  Madames  Stubbs  and  Moffat,  of  Washing- 
ton; Mrs.  Hidden,  of  Vancouver;  Mrs.  Givens,  of  Idaho; 
Madames  Unruh  and  Cox,  of  Kansas ;  Mrs.  C.  B.  Buel  and 
Miss  Esther  Pugh,  of  Chicago;  Miss  Harriet  Adams,  of 
Ohio.  Among  the  reception  committee  were  Mrs.  Rankin, 
hostess ;  Mrs.  Riggs,  state  hostess ;  Mrs.  Additon,  presi- 
dent of  Portland  Union ;  Madames  Eaves,  Shane,  Allen, 
Amos,  Dale,  Dalgleish,  DeLashmutt,  Holbrook,  Houghton; 
Misses  Buel  and  Gotshall. 

The  resolutions  of  this  conference  declared  for  an  edu- 
cational test  as  a  qualification  for  the  voter  instead  of  the 
accident  of  sex,  and  a  strong  one  on  the  labor  problem,  urg- 
ing all  women  to  study  the  economic  side  of  the  labor  ques- 
tion, and  one  declaring  for  arbitration  for  settling  of  dif- 
ferences. 

The  papers,  addresses  and  discussions  were  full  of  en- 
thusiasm and  zeal.  Colonel  Bain's  lecture  was  a  master- 
piece. 

One  pleasing  incident  was  when  the  children  of  Couch 
school  came  marching  in,  bringing  floral  tributes  to  the 
great  meeting.  Madames  Unruh  and  Cox,  fresh  from  Kan- 
sas, seemed  brimful  of  energy  and  zeal. 

The  state  convention  which  preceded  the  conference 
was  one  of  the  very  best  on  record,  notwithstanding  it  had 
to  be  cut  short  to  make  way  for  the  conference. 

The  treasurer's  report  gave  us  some  most  interesting 
figures,  some  of  which  should  be  quoted. 

East  Portland  was  the  banner  Union  as  to  member- 
ship, having  a  paid-up  membership  of  93  active  members; 
paid  to  treasurer  $23;  had  gained  54  members  that  year. 
Mrs.  G.  J.  Ross,  now  in  life-land,  was  the  stirring  ener- 
getic president. 

Our  state  assessment  then  was  25  cents,  in  place  of  35 
cents  we  have  now. 

29 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Portland  Central  stood  next,  paying  on  80  members, 
having  a  much  larger  enrollment,  but  80  who  paid  up ;  Mrs. 
L.  H.  Additon,  president. 

Albany,  with  Mrs.  E.  F.  Sox  as  president,  paid  on  72 
members. 

Albina,  with  Mrs.  L.  C.  Pierce  as  president,  was  next  in 
line,  with  a  paid-up  membership  of  65 ;  had  100  enrolled. 

Salem  paid  on  32  members;  Mrs.  E.  J.  Royal,  presi- 
dent. 

The  increase  of  paid-up  membership  this  year  was  748, 
the  largest  any  year  on  record.  A  most  interesting  paper 
from  Mrs.  Stubbs  on  the  work  for  seamen  in  the  North- 
west was  a  valuable  document,  and  should  have  been  pre- 
served. The  corresponding  secretary,  Henrietta  Brown, 
made  a  voluminous  report,  which  is  interesting  reading.  In 
closing  she  said: 

"From  my  extensive  correspondence  with  Unions,  I 
find  the  great  pressing  need  is  instruction.  Our  organizers 
from  afar  cannot  remain  with  us  long  enough  in  a  place 
to  give  the  minute  instructions  needed.  Three  days  of 
practical  work  by  a  woman  who  understands  the  departments 
well,  and  has  a  faculty  for  seeing  what  kind  of  work  is 
necessary  in  each  community,  would  go  farther  toward 
putting  a  Union  in  good  working  order  than  all  the  printe'd 
help  we  could  send." 

Major  and  Mrs.  Scott  visited  Oregon  this  year,  working 
along  gospel  lines,  with  good  results. 

Mrs.  Jane  Bateham,  national  leader  in  the  work  for 
Sabbath  observance,  was  also  with  us,  speaking  in  a  few 
places. 

The  management  of  Col.  Bain's  lecture  tour  is  worthy 
of  special  note.  Paying  him  fifty  dollars  per  lecture  for 
one  month,  instead  of  plunging  the  state  in  debt  as  was 
predicted,  all  expenses  were  paid  and  a  sum  left  in  the 
treasury. 

Mrs.  Henrietta  Brown  resigned  from  the  position  of 
corresponding  secretary,  and  Mrs.  Susan  E.  Foster,  who 

30 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

had  lately  come  to  the  state,  but  who  was  a  veteran  worker 
from  Iowa,  succeeded  her. 

Mrs.  H.  J.  Shane  was  elected  recording  secretary :  Mar- 
garet I.  Bilyeu,  treasurer;  Mrs.  Riggs,  of  course,  re- 
elected. 

Each  year  the  need  of  an  official  organ  of  our  own  grew 
more  and  more  apparent.  The  Home  Guard,  edited  by 
Will  C.  King  and  Mrs.  King,  at  Corvallis,  largely  issued 
in  the  interest  of  Good  Templary,  was  one  of  our  first 
means  of  communication  between  state  and  locals;  later 
on  the  "Prohibition  Star"  shone  out  resplendent  until  struck 
with  financial  eclipse,  from  which  it  emerged  as  the  Pa- 
cific Express.  These  papers  were  ably  edited,  and  were 
the  means  of  great  good.  The  editorials  from  the  pen  of 
Rev.  Horace  Lyman,  Prof.  J.  M.  C  Miller,  Geo.  M.  Miller 
and  from  Rev.  J.  W.  Webb,  were  stirring  documents,  and 
could  not  be  otherwise  than  a  strong  lever  under  the  stone 
of  apathy  and  indifference ;  yes,  and  ignorance,  to  pry  them 
out  of  the  King's  highway.  In  1891  the  Oregon  White 
Ribboner  was  founded  by  Mrs.  Riggs,  and  was  published 
monthly.  The  Gotshall  Printing  Company  were  the  first 
publishers ;  and  we  do  well  to  record  right  here  that  the 
White  Ribbon  cause  never  had  a  more  loyal  brother  than 
John  F.  Gotshall.  In  1892  the  paper  doubled  in  size  and 
kept  afloat  financially,  owing  to  the  excellent  work  of  Miss 
Gotshall  as  financial  agent  and  associate  editor.  Mrs.  Su- 
san E.  Foster,  editor,  in  1893,  reported  as  follows: 

"It  was  largely  due  to  Miss  Gotshall,  our  advertising 
manager  and  associate  editor,  that  the  paper  has  been  kept 
afloat,  but  through  a  breakdown  in  health  she  was  laid  aside 
early  in  the  year,  and  it  was  a  very  severe  loss  to  our 
paper." 

The  paper  has  had  its  ups  and  downs,  but  at  the  time 
of  writing  this  history  has  blossomed  out  into  an  up-to-date 
magazine,  called  the  Northwest  White  Ribboner,  Washing- 
ton, Idaho  and  Montana  joining  in  adopting  it  as  their  state 
organ,  thereby  enabling  those  in  charge  to  publish  a  far 
more  interesting  paper  than  when  more  local. 

31 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

1892  was  a  noted  milestone.  Mary  Allen  West  made 
her  memorable  trip  en  route  to  Japan. 

She  attended  the  Chautauqua  at  Gearhart  park,  was  the 
guest  of  Mrs.  Narcissa  White  Kinney  in  her  home  by  the 
sea. 

She  held  several  schools  of  methods.  Miss  West  was 
the  originator  of  this  plan  of  instruction.  The  Central 
union  of  Portland  gave  her  a  charming  reception  on  the 
last  evening  of  her  stay  and  said  good-bye,  little  thinking 
it  was  a  good-bye  forever  so  far  as  earthly  life  goes,  as  she 
passed  on  to  life-land  while  in  Japan.  Her  visit  to  us  will 
never  be  forgotten.  Her  strong,  noble  character  made  a 
marked  impress  upon  those  who  met  her. 

This  year  (1892)  for  the  second  time  the  annual  meet- 
ing was  held  in  the  eastern  section  of  the  state,  across  the 
mountains,  at  Pendleton  in  Umatilla  county. 

One  pleasing  feature  of  this  convention  was  the  pre- 
sentation of  the  L.  T.  L.  banner  coming  from  the  National, 
presented  to  the  state  on  the  Pacific  coast  having  the 
largest  increase  of  membership.  Polk  county  won  it.  This 
county  was  the  first  in  the  state  to  organize  a  county  L.  T. 
L.  Mrs.  Lucy  Whiteaker  brought  about  this  happy  condi- 
tion of  things. 

The  chief  legislative  work  this  year  was  the  circula- 
tion of  the  world's  petition,  known  as  the  "Polyglot  Peti- 
tion.'' Mr.  Luther  Benson  had  given  66  lectures,  the  state 
workers  doing  most  of  the  platform  work,  Mesdames  Har- 
ford, Cox,  Unruh  and  Additon  being  actively  engaged  in 
the  field. 

Mrs.  L.  P.  Round,  who  came  to  us  from  the  southland,  I 
believe,  (anyway,  she  always  brings  sunshine  and  reflects 
warmth),  with  Mrs.  Votaw  of  Newberg,  made  a  successful 
evangelistic  trip  into  Wallowa  county.  Mrs.  Round  organ- 
ized at  Joseph  and  Enterprise,  far  away  from  the  railroad 
facilities,  being  60  miles  from  the  nearest  railroad  point. 

Miss  Rose  Trumbull  was  mustered  into  service  this  year 
as  leader  of  the  Y's,  Mrs.  Henrietta  Brown,  the  very  success- 

32 


MRS.  NORA  G.  WILLIAMS, 
First   Superintendent  of  Sunday  School  Work. 


MRS.  R.  M.  STEELE, 
Second  Recording  Secretary. 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

ful  leader  for  years,  having  to  lay  down  the  work  in  order 
to  fill  the  position  of  lecture  bureau  superintendent. 

Mrs.  Shane  resigned  her  position  as  recording  secre- 
tary and  Mrs.  Harford  was  elected. 

Mrs.  Harford  was  state  organizer  of  Missouri  formerly 
and  an  experienced  W.  C.  T.  U.  worker. 

Early  in  the  spring  of  1893  Miss  Jennie  Smith,  national 
evangelist  of  railroad  work,  visited  Oregon,  and  with  her 
associate,  Miss  Sherman,  held  meetings  in  the  car  shops 
at  Albina  and  organized  a  R.  R.  T.  A.,  which  flourished  for 
some  time. 

The  Albina  union  kept  up  weekly  meetings  at  the  car 
shops  for  several  years.  We  note,  also,  that  one  of  the 
first  things  this  bright  union  did  was  to  purchase  a  beautiful 
flag  and  present  it  to  the  public  school. 

The  annual  gathering  this  year  (1903)  was  a  bright  and 
profitable  one;  was  held  down  by  the  sounding  sea,  where 
a  right  royal  welcome  was  extended  the  delegation. 

The  state  began  to  be  very  economical  about  this  time 
and  the  records  were,  according  to  the  order  of  the  con- 
vention, boiled  down,  till  there  was  scarcely  a  skeleton  left, 
and  had  it  not  been  for  the  generous  space  given  us  in 
Astoria  papers,  which  reports  were  carefully  preserved,  we 
could  have  had  little  to  say  on  authority  for  this  year. 

Enthusiasm  was  brought  to  a  white  heat  when  Jessie 
Ackerman,  the  world's  missionary,  after  an  absence  of  four 
years,  was  presented  to  the  convention — a  surprise. 

The  rich  fund  of  information  and  array  of  telling  facts, 
of  which  she  has  an  abundant  store,  combined  with  her 
great  magnetism  as  a  speaker,  did  not  fail  to  bring  forth 
renewed  zeal  and  energy.  The  enthusiasm  was  un- 
abated when  listening  to  reports  of  the  wonderful  magnet- 
ism and  powerful  diction  of  John  G.  Woolley,  whose  elo- 
quent ministry  had  touched  and  melted  thronging  multi- 
tudes. 

Mrs.  Ellen  Blair,  national  chalk  talker,  made  a  tour  of 
the  state,  charming  young  and  old. 

A  successful  medal  contest  was  held  one  evening.     The 

33 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

social  trip  of  the  convention  was  a  trip  around  to  the  big, 
rolling  sea;  also  an  interesting  visit  to  the  large  fish  pack- 
ing establishment  of  Mr.  Marshall  Kinney,  each  delegate 
carrying  home  a  souvenir  in  the  shape  of  a  can  of  Columbia 
river  salmon. 

The  legislative  department  told  of  the  appropriation  for 
the  Refuge  Home,  secured  for  the  third  time. 

The  amendment  to  the  anti-tobacco  law  passed,  which 
imposes  fines  and  imprisonment  upon  the  minor  who  uses, 
as  well  as  punishment  to  the  dealer. 

Mrs.  Kern's  report  on  the  anti-narcotic  department  was 
among  the  most  interesting  given. 

In  this  report  we  find  this  recommendation :  "Let 
every  woman  use  her  ballot  at  the  school  meetings  to  se- 
cure the  election  of  school  directors  who  shall  insist  on  the 
enforcement  of  the  law  relating  to  instruction  regarding  the 
effects  of  alcohol  and  narcotics  on  the  human  system,  and 
who  shall  require  teachers  to  be  free  from  the  use  of  the 
same." 

Jennie  Groff,  the  indefatigable  superintendent  of  liter- 
ature, created  interest  in  this  line,  as  usual,  as  she  pressed 
home  the  thought  that  printers'  ink  was  a  mighty  lever  to 
use  effectively. 

The  veteran  Sunday  school  worker,  Nora  Williams, 
brought  forth  loud  applause  when  telling  what  the  children 
were  doing  with  their  red,  white  and  blue  chain  cards.  One 
could  almost  hear  the  tramp,  tramp,  tramp  of  the  300,000 
little  feet  marching  to  sign  these  little  pledge  cards. 

The  L.  T.  L.  mass  meetings,  under  the  careful,  painstak- 
ing leadership  of  Miss  Emma  Warren  of  Astoria,  ably  as- 
sisted by  the  enthusiastic  state  secretary  of  L.  T.  L.  work, 
Ada  Unruh,  was  a  delightful  success. 

The  delegation  had  their  pictures  taken,  as  they  did  in 
1886.  Looking  at  this  group  today  we  see  the  faces  of  Com- 
rades Kinney,  Gearhart,  Linenweber,  Emma  Warren,  Dr. 
Adair,  Parker  and  others  whose  names  are  not  as  famil- 
iar as  their 'faces,  and  we  find  ourselves  saying, 
Like  a  mighty  army 
March  this  noble  throng. 

34 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

We  laughed  at  these  groups  when  they  were  taken,  but 
today  they  are  among  our  choicest  possessions.  Faces  look 
at  us  from  the  group  that  have  passed  from  our  sight,  but 
their  influence  and  love  remain. 

Benton  county  workers  had  a  unique  experience  this 
year,  and,  for  fear  this  history  may  get  a  little  too  prosy, 
we  will  jot  down  this  entertaining  episode,  as  found  re- 
corded in  our  "White  Ribboner :" 

The  Benton  county  convention  was  called  to  meet  in 
Monroe,  20  miles  off  the  railroad,  and  in  the  early  spring, 
when  the  roads  in  that  section  are  sometimes  bottomless. 
To  go  by  carriage  was  out  of  the  question,  so  arrangements 
were  made  to  go  by  a  river  boat.  These  small  boats  are 
more  for  carrying  wheat  than  passengers  and  are  not  al- 
ways on  time.  One  of  the  warehouse  landings  was  four 
miles  from  Monroe.  There  the  delegation  was  to  be  met 
by  carriages.  All  went  well  till  the  return  voyage  was  at- 
tempted. The  early  morning  found  the  delegates  at  the 
landing  ready  to  be  taken  down  the  river.  The  air  was  ex- 
ceedingly chilly ;  there  was  no  boat  in  sight,  and  only  one 
house,  and  that  of  modest  proportions  and  equipments,  but  it 
had  a  roaring  fire  in  the  fireplace,  and  these  stranded  temper- 
ance tramps  were  thankful  indeed  for  the  kind  and  cordial 
hospitality  they  found.  For  one  whole  day  and  night  they 
waited  for  that  boat.  To  drive  away  the  blues,  and  also  to 
celebrate  the  birthday  of  a  Y.  in  the  delegation,  Anna  Mohr, 
they  composed  a  "joint  stock"  poem,  each  one  making  two 
lines,  and  so  on  through.  We  append  this  noted  verse,  not 
for  its  literary  merit,  or  as  a  sample  of  the  poetic  genius  of 
our  White  Ribboners,  but  as  a  historic  fact,  to  smile  over 
now  that  it  belongs  to  the  dim  past. 

I  would  state  here  that  the  woman  who  acted  as  hostess 
was  a  genius  of  the  highest  type.  It  would  puzzle  most 
any  of  the  eleven  to  have  to  feed  and  put  away  for  the 
night  eleven  extra  ones  without  any  warning  of  the  com- 
ing invasion.    Here  is  the  poem: 


35 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Once  upon  a  day  so  dreary, 

A  delegation  oh!  so  weary, 

Left  Monroe  with  the  intention 

Of  going  home  from  the  convention: 

With  grips  and  wraps  at  break  of  day 

They  started  on  their  homeward  way. 

These  sisters  ten  thro'  mud  and  fog 

To  reach  the  boat  were  all  agog, 

But  just  before  we  reached  the  shore, 

About  three  hundred  yards  or  more, 

We  heard  a  loud  and  long  hello! 

At  first  we  thought  it  was  a  foe. 

Our  driver  stopped  to  ask  the  cause, 

And  found  that  Fate's  mysterious  laws 

Had  sent  the  boat  way  up  the  river 

And  left  us  in  the  cold  to  shiver. 

Though  hearts  at  once  went  down  to  zero 

Our  driver  proved  himself  a  hero, 

Whose  name  had  never  been  enrolled 

On  Fame's  emblazoned  page  of  gold. 

So  equal  to  the  situation 

Nor  waiting  for  an  invitation 

He  took  us  to  a  house  near  by 

Where  we  might  wait  both  warm  and  dry. 

And  here  the  disappointed  party 

Found  each  a  welcome  kind  and  hearty, 

Besides  a  solace  oh!  so  sweet, 

In  something  very  good  to  eat; 

Then  after  all  this  wholesome  food 

We  wandered  off  into  the  wood. 

One  lady,  dearest,  almost  best, 

Laid  down  upon  the  sod  to  rest, 

Above  her  spread  umbrella's  shade, 

Beneath  her  head  a  grip  was  laid; 

While  on  a  woodpile  heaped  up  high, 

Defying  sleep,  her  friend  sat  by. 

As  others  of  the  weary  number 

Dropped  softly  into  quiet  slumber. 

A  story  from  the  wide  awake 

Who  thought  such  napping  all  a  fake, 

A  tale  experienced  by  few 

All  open-eared  was  listened  to; 

But  suddenly  we  stopped  our  chatter 

And  to  the  river  side  did  scatter 

As  loud  again  a  whistle  blew. 


36 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

But  when  the  winding  stream  we  viewed 

We  nearly  fainted  in  despair, 

A  passing  snagboat  only  there. 

Again  the  hearth  we  gathered  round, 

A  gloomier  set  was  seldom  found. 

We  idly  gazed  in  empty  space 

Until  this  thought  lit  up  a  face: 

We'll  keep  our  Anna  Mohr's  birthday 

And  drive  the  cloud  of  blues  away, 

By  telling  all  in  golden  rhyme 

The  story  of  this  gloomy  time. 

For  fear  the  world  would  never  know  it 

Each  sought  to  prove  herself  a  poet, 

And  wrote  a  couplet,  grave  or  gay, 

And  so  this  story  grew  that  way. 

'Twas  Mrs.  Cox  the  tried  and  true, 

Impressive  as  we  also  knew, 

The  heroine  of  the  previous  night 

Who  proved  herself  a  ray  of  light; 

Our  president  and  leader  dear, 

We  all  were  glad  that  she  was  near, 

While  Anna,  Ernestine  and  May 

Were  "Y's"  to  cheer  our  dreary  day. 

And  Ida,  too,  some  fireside  bright 

Will  shine  beside,  a  beacon  light; 

And  Mrs.  Kemp,  our  sister  true, 

Was  one  among  this  gloomy  crew, 

While  Madame  Nichols,  kind  and  good, 

Our  rude  invasion  bravely  stood. 

Mrs.  Nash,  with  smile  and  story, 

Won  for  herself  a  lot  of  glory. 

And  Mrs.  Additon,  so  bright, 

Looked  'round  upon   the  gloomy  sight 

And  wished  herself  an  artist  true 

That  she  might  paint  us  all  in  blue, 

For  work  at  home  that  should  be  done 

Had  proved  the  ghost  that  spoiled  our  fun. 

But  when  the  night's  soft  curtain  fell 

In  silence  o'er  the  wooded  dell, 

We  closed,  as  were  wont,  our  days 

With  reverent  prayer  and  song  of  praise, 

And  found  in  this  a  solace  true 

From  all  our  restless  longings  knew. 

The  morning  came,  and  quite  refreshed 

Each  hastened  to  be  quickly  dressed. 

We  had  not  long  this  time  to  wait 

Nor  were  we  for  the  boat  too  late. 

For  as  we  hastened  to  the  shore 

Our  dreary  hours  of  waiting  o'er, 

There  we  beheld,  our  hearts  to  cheer, 

The  Messenger  that  anchored  near, 

And  softly  gliding  down  the  stream 

The  past  seemed  like  a  fleeting  dream. 


37 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

This  year  (1893)  Multnomah  county  scored  a  success 
in  obtaining  the  appointment  of  a  police  matron  in  Port- 
land. Mrs.  Flora  W.  McKinney,  formerly  of  East  Portland 
union,  was  appointed.  Her  labors  were  not  only  faithful  and 
earnest,  but  many  lives  were  led  back  to  better  manhood  and 
womanhood  through  her  efforts.  When  after  faithful  service 
she  was  to  be  deposed,  through  political  chicanery,  the  Wr.  C. 
T.  U.,  the  Woman's  Club  and  the  Ministerial  Associa- 
tion, all  signed  a  petition  for  her  retention,  but  politics  "won 
out."  Women  had  no  vote  and  their  petition  availed  little. 
Another  was  appointed  and  the  work  goes  on. 

At  Ashland  a  tri-county  conference  was  held,  Jackson, 
Douglas  and  Josephine  being  represented,  the  state  presi- 
dent having  charge. 

In  the  address  of  welcome,  written  by  Lida  Chrisman,  we 
find  such  a  beautiful  gem  thought  woven  around  the  White 
Ribbon  that  we  append  it: 

"As  I  look  around  me  I  see  a  dear  little  friend  to  whom 
I  would  not  fail  to  give  a  loving  welcome.  It  is  our  badge, 
our  dear  little  White  Ribbon,  which  speaks  so  eloquently  to 
us  every  time  we  look  upon  it.  To  me  there  seems  a  whole 
poem  in  its  tiny  folds.  There  are  the  loops  reminding  us 
of  the  routine  of  our  work,  which  seems  to  be  never-ending, 
and  is  centralized  in  organization  just  as  the  loops  are  held 
by  the  tie.  Then  there  are  the  ends,  which  are  our  efforts 
reaching  out  to  new  friends,  etc.  In  its  entirety  it  looks 
like  a  white  dove,  the  emblem  of  peace,  and  reminds  us  that 
our  warfare  must  be  a  peaceful  one.  Then  there  is  the  color, 
always  acknowledged  the  emblem  of  purity,  making  us  to 
remember  that  to  be  consistent  we  must  see  that  at  least 
our  own  ribbon  must  rest  above  a  heart  pure  in  purpose  and 
unstained  by  selfishness. 

"To  wear  each  day  a  ribbon  white 
Is  but  a  little  thing  to  do, 
But  it  shows  we  try  to  keep  the  right, 

And  to  our  colors  prove  true. 
As  we  walk  and  work  thro'  the  busy  day, 

Never  hindered  but  helped  are  we 
By  the  thought  that  under  the  ribbons 

38 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

Lie,  hearts  that  from  drink  curses  are  free, 
Like  a  pure  white  bird  o'er  our  heart  it  lies, 

And  a  message  it  often  brings 
Of  friends  far  away  'neath  other  skies, 

Or  of  mother's  prayers  it  sings." 


THE  GOLDEN  MORROW. 


(Read  at  the  State  Convention  at  Astoria,  May  11,  1893,  on  Y 

night.) 


In  chosen  words  and  glowing  rhyme 

The  poets  tell  the  story, 
And  praise  in  song  the  good  old  time, 

The  golden  age  of  glory; 
When  men  were  brave  and  women  fair, 

And  skies  were  blue  and  tender; 
No  grace  the  present  seems  to  wear 

But  what  the  past  could  lend  her. 

But  no!     The  happy  age  of  gold, 

The  past  holds  not  in  keeping, 
With  hope  fulfilled  and  promise  told, 

And  harvests  gathered  reaping. 
Ah,  no!     They  toiled  in  weary  night 

And  longed  to  see  the  morning, 
The  while  they  watched  the  stars'  slow  flight, 

And  braved  the   idler's  scorning. 

Nor  is  the  present's  eager  strife 

The  long-sought  cycle  golden; 
Today  with  toil  and  pain  is  rife, 

E'en  more  than  ages  olden. 
But  look!     Above  the  mountain  height 

The  dawn's  bright  face  is  showing, 
And  shadow  soon  will  yield  to  light, 

And  dawn  to  morning  glowing. 

Yes,  after  weary  toiling  on 

Through  all  the  night  of  sorrow, 
And  after  promise  of  the  dawn, 

Will  come  the  golden  morrow, 
When  life  will  reap  the  glad  reward, 

Of  all  its  true  endeavor, 
And  sound  the  depths  of  joy's  full  chord, 

Forever  and  forever. 

Beyond  us  is  the  age  of  gold, 

The  fullness  of  its  glory. 
No  sage  nor  poet  yet  has  told, 

In  poem  or  in  story. 
Its  promise  gilds  our  darkened  life, 

With  rainbow  gleamings  tender, 
And  shows  beyond  the  end  of  strife, 

A  glimpse  of  heaven's  splendor. 
Portland  University.  EVA  FOSTER. 


39 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Union  county,  Mrs.  Judge  Saunders  president  and  Mrs. 
Annie  Dittebrand  corresponding  secretary,  was  the  banner 
county  financially.  They  have  paid  up  promptly  and  fully 
all  obligations. 

Among  the  superintendents  appointed  in  1883  was  Mrs. 
Celinda  Shipley  of  Oswego,  for  "State  and  County  Fairs," 
afterward  changed  to  department  of  "Fairs  and  Public 
Gatherings.,,  Every  year  this  faithful,  earnest  woman  pre- 
sented the  claims  of  this  department  in  words  that  burned 
conviction  into  our  hearts  that  this  line  of  work  was  of 
great  importance. 

And  one  after  another  union  fell  into  line  until  in  1893 
we  find  Multnomah  with  a  successful  booth  at  the  industrial 
exposition  in  our  fair  metropolis,  with  Mrs.  Dr.  Dale  as  en- 
thusiastic manager ;  and  Marion  county,  with  the  Salem  wo- 
men holding  the  fort  at  the  state  fair.  Many  years  Mrs. 
Shipley  sounded  the  praises  of  Salem  workers  for  their  ef- 
ficient work  at  the  state  fair.  Linn,  Polk,  Yamhill,  Jackson 
and  Lane  were  all  in  line  this  year. 

We  had  no  minutes  printed  in  1894,  and  in  1895  we  read 
in  the  minutes  "Reports  of  Fairs  and  Public  Gatherings," 
read  by  the  secretary:  the  faithful  worker  had  passed 
through  dark  waters  and  has  had  to  drop  from  the  ranks, 
a  retired  veteran  crowned  with  many  laurels. 

In  1894  Salem  W.  C.  T.  U.  was  our  hostess.  There 
were  no  printed  records  and  the  material  was  meager  in- 
deed from  which  to  cull  facts  for  this  history.  The  daily 
press  gave  quite  full  reports ;  these  were  written  by  our  own 
pen -women  and  it  is  from  these  daily  jottings  that  we  culled 
our  items. 

Mrs.  L.  A.  Doughery  of  Antelope,  one  of  our  far  in- 
terior towns  in  Eastern  Oregon,  rode  70  miles  by  carriage 
to  the  nearest  railroad  point  as  a  delegate  from  a  union  of 
33  women  and  66  men — Antelope  W.  C.  T.  U. 

Ashland,  the  farthest  southern  point,  sent  in  the  usual 
cheery  note  of  progress.  Mrs.  D.  E.  Hatch,  the  veteran, 
faithful  and  true,  reported  more  honorary  members  than 

40 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

active.  They  have  waged  some  very  successful  wars 
against  saloons. 

La  Grande,  where  Mrs.  Stephenson  and  Mrs.  Aldrich 
have  been  so  long  and  faithful  at  the  helm,  reported  an 
L.  T.  L.  of  223  members. 

Moro,  in  Wasco  county,  an  all-alive  county,  reported  30 
more  honorary  members  than  active. 

Douglas  county  reported  in  line  among  the  organized 
counties  this  year. 

Mrs.  L.  C.  Williams  of  Roseburg  had  been  appointed 
county  president  and  brought  things  to  pass.  Later,  when 
the  county  was  organized,  Mrs.  Mary  Jewett  of  Gardiner 
was  elected  as  president  and  served  most  faithfully  for  many 
years. 

Mrs.  Helen  R.  Ferguson  of  Edenbower,  a  suburb  of 
Roseburg,  succeeded  her  and  served  two  years,  when  Mrs. 
Ida  Marsters  was  elected  and  now  serves.  From  Mrs. 
Marsters  this  word  comes :  "Roseburg  was  very  weak  when 
Mrs.  Harford  came  to  the  rescue  and  infused  new  life  into 
them."  She  also  pays  tribute  to  the  other  state  workers 
and  national  ones  who  have  helped  them  to  make  their 
county  a  strong  one.  Mrs.  Anna  Spencer  of  Gardiner  has 
done  meritorious  work  in  the  suffrage  line. 

At  the  framing  of  the  charter  of  the  Soldiers'  home,  lo- 
cated one  mile  west  of  the  city,  Roseburg  union  took  a  hand 
in  securing  a  clause  inserted  in  the  charter  prohibiting  the 
sale  of  intoxicants  within  one-half  mile  of  the  home. 

To  Mrs.  Jennie  Brownell  of  Gardiner  credit  is  due  for 
the  continuation,  without  cessation,  of  the  work  in  Gardi- 
ner. 

Two  young  men  appeared  at  this  convention  in  Salem 
with  credentials  from  the  Ys,  and,  although  not  exactly  in 
"accordance  with  law,"  they  were  given  seats  with  equal 
rights  with  the  girls.  One  of  these  young  men  ye  historian 
well  remembered  when  a  little  boy  coming  to  the  Band  of 
Hope,  one  of  the  most  faithful,  and  we  recalled  with  sad- 
ness the  shadows  that  darkened  his  boyhood  home,  and,  look- 
ing at  the  manly  young  man,  with  open,  clear  and  resolute 

41 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

face,  we  thanked  God  that  the  L.  T.  L.  motto  was  being 
verified,  "Tremble,  King  Alcohol,  we  shall  grow  up."  The 
Ys  were  out  in  good  force  at  this  meeting.  Mrs.  Narcissa 
White  Kinney  was  elected  president  and  Mrs.  Anna  R. 
Riggs  honorary  president.    Other  officers  were  re-elected. 

Mrs.  Kinney  has  few  equals  on  the  platform  and  came  to 
the  position  well  informed  in  all  lines  of  W.  C.  T.  U.  work, 
having  served  as  organizer  and  lecturer  on  the  national 
staff  for  some  years.  Mrs.  Kinney  proved  herself  a  wise 
leader  and  tided  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  bark  over  the  breakers 
of  the  great  financial  crisis,  which  at  the  time  of  her  elec- 
tion was  sweeping  over  the  country. 

Mrs.  Kinney  ably  presented  our  cause  before  influential 
bodies,  bringing  its  claims  to  the  front  in  a  way  that  re- 
flected great  credit  upon  the  organization. 

In  the  fall  of  1894  Mrs.  Unruh  and  Maggie  Eaton, 
president  of  Sherman  county,  made  a  memorable  trip  in 
Eastern  Oregon.  The  record  reads  like  a  romance.  These 
two  brave  soldiers  set  out  to  traverse  the  inland  country, 
organizing,  strengthening  and  increasing  public  sentiment. 

Such  a  ride  as  it  was.  Once  they  had  to  take  the  river 
as  the  road. 

Maggie  is  a  fine  driver,  and  her  fleet  horses  spin  along 
at  a  great  rate.  Mrs.  Hoffman,  when  in  Oregon,  said  that 
Maggie  could  drive  like  Jehu.  Somehow  one  feels  wonder- 
fully safe  when  Maggie  has  hold  of  the  reins. 

Crook  county  up  to  this  time  was  unorganized.  Mrs. 
Unruh  organized  four  unions,  including  one  most  remark- 
able one  at  Warm  Springs  Indian  reservation.  This  union 
later  on  reported  150  members. 

At  the  convention  in  1895,  held  in  Roseburg,  the  follow- 
ing interesting  letter  was  received  from  this  union: 
"To  Our  White  Sisters : 

"The  light  has  reached  us  and  the  grace  of  God  will  keep 
us  from  falling 

"Years  ago  we  were  at  war  with  our  enemies,  but  we 
have  found  whisky  our  worst  enemy  and  more  to  be  dreaded 
than  anything  else. 

42 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

"There  is  a  great  difference  between  a  white  woman  and 
an  Indian  woman,  unless  they  are  both  drunk,  and  then  they 
are  both  on  the  same  level. 

"Drink  will  carry  a  woman  farther  down  than  it  will  a 
man.  Oh,  I  cannot  use  strong  words  enough  to  tell  you 
how  I  hate  the  whisky.  It  has  ruined  my  people,  and  but 
for  the  grace  of  God  we  would  all  be  down  through  drink. 

"I  well  remember  the  night  this  society  was  organized 
and  I  remember  the  strong  words  of  the  white  woman  ( Mrs. 
Unruh)  :  'Whisky  steals  away  our  brains  and  our  money; 
so  long  as  whisky  remains  among  us  we  will  have  a  drunk- 
en people,  and  that  means  a  lost  nation.'  For  my  part,  I 
want  to  see  the  whisky  put  down. 

"This  society  is  working  for  the  good  of  our  people; 
nearly  all  of  the  trouble  that  comes  to  us  now  is  because 
of  whisky.    It  is  a  shameful  thing  for  my  race  to  drink. 

"Whisky  is  bad  enough  for  us,  but  I  am  thinking  what 
it  may  bring  upon  my  children.  Let  us  teach  them  what 
the  Bible  says  about  whisky ;  Christianity  is  the  only  safe- 
guard for  them. 

"They  tell  us  that  we  are  a  dying  race,  but  whisky  will 
kill  us  faster  than  anything  else.  It  is  killing  all  of  the 
tribes.  I  am  glad  that  our  people  are  taking  the  stand 
against  whisky ;  we  do  not  want  our  young  people  to  be- 
come drunkards. 

"We  are  glad  that  our  white  temperance  friends  are 
thinking  of  us,  and  we  would  like  to  have  some  words  to  us 
from  the  big  meeting." 

LIZZIE  KANTS,  Secretary  W.  C.  T.  U. 

They  sent  to  the  convention  a  most  unique  banner  made 
of  beautifully  tanned  or  dressed  skin,  18x27  inches,  bor- 
dered with  soft  fur.  On  the  banner  are  skillfully  embroi- 
dered Indian  symbols.  In  the  center  is  a  white  star — the 
Indian  symbol  of  Light;  at  the  bottom  is  an  Indian  pipe  of 
peace,  but  around  the  pipe  of  peace  is  a  serpent,  indicating 
intoxicating  drink.  Above  the  pipe  of  peace  is  a  tomahawk, 
the  Indian  symbol  of  war;  but  around  the  handle  of  this 
tomahawk  is  tied  a  beautiful  bow  of  white  ribbon  to  show 

43 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

that  the  only  war  they  are  now  engaged  in  is  a  battle  against 
King  Alcohol.  At  the  top  of  the  banner  is  beautifully  em- 
broidered a  spray  of  the  white  narcissus  in  honor  of  their 
chieftain  (our  state  president),  Narcissa  White  Kinney. 

The  banner  was  received  with  enthusiasm. 

At  Roseburg  the  local  arrangements  were  "perfect,"  so 
reported,  and  every  one  who  attended  declared  it  a  grand 
time.  Mrs.  Ida  Marsters,  the  president  of  Douglas  county, 
and  leader  at  Roseburg,  is  one  of  our  ablest  county  presi- 
dents and  one  of  the  mainstays  of  Douglas  county.  The 
old  officers  were  all  re-elected.  Mrs.  Helen  D.  Harford, 
after  re-election,  resigned,  and  Mrs.  S.  M.  Kern  was  elected 
in  her  place  and  has  filled  the  position  ever  since  to  the  en- 
tire satisfaction  of  her  constituency. 

The  banner  counties  this  year  were  Douglas  and  Crook. 
Marion  county  had  the  largest  increase  of  new  unions. 

Mrs.  E.  G.  Bond,  leader  of  medal  contest  work,  reported 
much  increase  of  interest. 

A  telegram  was  sent  to  Miss  Willard  at  Eastnor  Castle, 
and  the  following  reply  was  received : 

Eastnor  Castle,  June  7,  1895. 
My  Dear  Sister  and  Friend : 

Your  loving  greeting  to  Lady  Henry  Somerset  and  me 
was  most  gratefully  received,  and  you  have  our  warm 
thanks  for  the  very  kind  thought  that  prompted  the  mes- 
sage. We  are  now  deeply  engrossed  with  preparations  for 
what  promises  to  be  the  greatest  of  our  great  conventions, 
and  every  day  we  waft  a  prayer  for  the  safe  coming  of  our 
American  White  Ribbon  pilgrims  who  are  now  on  the 
ocean.  May  God  bring  them  safely  to  us  and  give  each  one 
a  fresh  uplift  in  heart  and  soul  at  this  biennial  love  feast 
is  the  prayer  of 

Your  grateful  and  affectionate  friend  and  sister, 

FRANCES  WILLARD. 

Among  the  very  first  plans  for  practical  work  among 
the  local  unions  was  the  opening  of  "reading  rooms." 

These  are  considered  most  important,  and  the  educational 
work  emanating  from  these  "light  houses"  can  never  be 
fully  measured. 

44 


CORVALLIS  W.  C.  T.  U.  HEADQUARTERS, 
First   Headquarters  Built  by  a  Local  Union  on  the  Coast. 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

Oregon  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  state  on  the 
Pacific  coast  to  "rise  and  build."  The  first  building  erected 
and  owned  by  the  W.  C.  T.  U..  so  far  as  is  known,  stands 
in  Corvallis,  a  monument  of  patient,  untiring,  consecrated 
effort.  Yes,  in  the  "heart  of  the  valley"  there  exists  a  union 
composed  of  earnest,  devoted  "home  builders"  of  the  beau- 
tiful college  city,  whose  history  has  many  a  heroic,  self- 
sacrificing  deed  recorded. 

The  story  of  their  reading  room  and  headquarters,  if 
written  in  detail,  would  fill  a  volume.  It  could  not  be  writ- 
ten, and  some  of  the  huge  difficulties,  surmounted  with  such 
undaunted  courage,  perhaps  are  as  well  forgotten ;  they  are 
of  the  past. 

After  spending  their  available  funds  in  beautifully  decor- 
ating and  nicely  furnishing  a  rented  house,  only  to  be  told 
to  "move  out,"  as  the  building  was  sold  over  their  heads, 
these  intrepid  souls  started  out  to  raise  money  to  build  their 
own  home;  and  here  we  should  pause  and  write  the  name 
of  that  old  pioneer,  Greenbury  Smith,  for  it  was  his  words 
of  encouragement  and  substantial  aid  in  starting  the  sub- 
scription list  that  enabled  the  women  to  go  on.  In  1884  a 
two-story  building  was  erected,  30x60;  the  lower  floor  a 
reading  room  and  parlor  and  matron's  quarters ;  upstairs 
lodging  rooms. 

Oh!  the  history  of  those  days:  Trying  to  pay  off  the 
debt ;  the  attempt  by  the  saloon  power  to  get  a  mortgage 
on  it. 

In  1890,  early  in  the  year,  every  dollar  of  debt  was  paid 
on  it  and  the  doxology  sung.  A  citizen  of  Corvallis  said 
not  long  since:  "I  believe  it  is  conceded  by  all,  or  nearly 
all,  that  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  of  this  city  has  been  and  is  a  great 
moral  force,  and  that  the  reading  room  has  done  untold 
good,  the  saloons  have  decreased,  owing,  no  doubt,  partly, 
at  least,  to  their  influence."  This  bit  of  local  work  is  given, 
as  it  marks  a  distinct  milestone  in  the  work — that  of  setting 
up  headquarters  of  their  own. 

New  Era,  where  Julia  Casto  held  the  forces  together, 
was  the  next  to  own,  and  in  1889  they  reported  building  and 

45 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

in  1 89 1  reported  building  paid  for.  Albany  came  next.  In 
1887  they  erected  a  fine  building,  the  G.  A.  R.  owning  the 
upper  story.    In  1897  they  reported  "all  debt  liquidated." 

Oregon's  history  is  bright  in  this  line.  Reading  rooms 
were  opened  in  1884  in  Portland  and  Salem,  and,  so  far  as 
records  show,  have  kept  open  continuously  since,  with  the 
exception  of  two  years  in  Portland,  when  a  smallpox  scare 
closed  their  rooms,  and  it  was  two  years  before  they  were 
reopened. 

The  Dalles,  Albany,  East  Portland,  Salem,  Astoria  (in 
conjunction  with  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.),  Oakland,  Medford,  Dun- 
dee, Eugene,  Milton,  Rosebur^-  Newport,  Cottage  Grove, 
all  reported  at  some  time  reading  rooms,  and  where  unions 
were  unable  to  sustain  such  rooms  we  find  loan  libraries, 
reading  circles,  earnestly  carried  on.  One  woman  keeps 
some  50  books  in  circulation. 

Sunnyside,  of  Multnomah  county,  has  recently  placed 
itself  among  the  builders  by  erecting  an  attractive  head- 
quarters and  reading  room  on  a  free  lease  of  land.  The 
building  cost  some  five  hundred  dollars  and  is  paid  for. 

Among  the  pleasant  records  of  1899  is  the  dedication  of 
this  house.  Mrs.  Ambler  was  president  of  the  union  and 
Mrs.  Hawkins  chairman  of  the  building  committee.  Your 
historian  was  privileged  to  make  the  dedication  address. 

In  1896  Newberg  entertained  the  convention — the  City  of 
Steady  Habits,  no  saloon,  and  earnest  prohibitionists. 

The  records  this  year  were  exceedingly  meager.  No 
minutes  were  printed  and,  as  there  was  no  daily  paper  to 
chronicle  our  doings,  it  has  been  difficult  to  find  much  of 
interest  to  relate. 

Brownsville,  through  its  ever  alert  president,  Mrs.  Se- 
lina  Childs,  gives  us  a  bit  of  interesting  history  of  their 
union.  It  has  the  distinction  of  having  numbered  among 
their  members  the  first  white  child  born  in  Oregon — no  less 
a  personage  than  Eliza  Warren,  formerly  Eliza  Spaulding. 
In  1896  she  removed  to  Washington  and  Brownsville  gave 
her  a  grand  reception,  a  notable  one,  115  old  friends,  mostly 
pioneer  families,  being  present. 

46 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

In  the  White  Ribboner  of  March  Mrs.  Harford  tells  of 
an  interesting  trip  into  the  Coos  Bay  section,  visiting  Co- 
quille  City,  Fishtrap,  Myrtle  Point,  Norway  and  Bandon  Ys, 
reporting  all  doing  well,  and  Gardiner,  also  on  the  coast,  yet 
a  part  of  Douglas  county,  as  being  a  power  for  good. 

Multnomah  and  Linn  county  came  in  on  "Benefit  Night." 
That  is,  counties  increasing  60  paid  members  were  entitled 
to  the  collection  on  benefit  night,  the  program  being  in  the 
hands  of  the  presidents  of  the  winning  counties. 

Multnomah  having  the  largest  increase  (by  three),  won 
the  state  banner. 

A  matrons'  contest  was  held  one  evening.  Mrs.  Anna 
Edgington  of  Wasco  won  the  medal. 

Mrs.  Ramp  of  Salem  also  won  laurels  at  this  contest, 
presenting  the  matter  of  "The  Women  on  a  Strike"  in  a 
forcible  and  delightfully  entertaining  manner. 

The  two  most  important  items  of  advancement  this  year 
came  from  Multnomah  county.  They  had  for  a  long  time 
felt  the  need  of  a  "Travelers'  Aid"  branch  of  the  purity 
work.  We  very  much  desired  to  have  Oregon's  metropolis 
fall  in  line  with  other  railway  centers,  where  motherly  wo- 
men, as  matrons,  stand  ready  to  care  for  unprotected  girls 
coming  to  the  city,  little  comprehending  the  dangers  which, 
unaided,  they  often  found  hard  to  escape.  In  1896  they 
succeeded  in  having  a  depot  matron  placed  in  the  union 
depot  and,  best  of  all,  the  woman  of  our  own  choice,  one  of 
our  very  own,  Mrs.  M.  E.  Niles.  At  the  time  of  her  ap- 
pointment she  held  the  position  of  county  treasurer. 

For  the  first  two  years  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  raised  her  salary, 
excepting  $10  per  month  paid  by  the  railroad  company; 
but  so  heartily  did  the  officials  indorse  her  work  that,  shi? 
was  placed  on  their  regular  payroll  and  the  W.  C.  T.  U. 
relieved  from  further  obligation.  We  consider  this  work 
a  trophy  of  the  year  of  more  than  ordinary  importance. 

Mrs.  M.  E.  Hoxter  was  untiring  in  her  efforts  to  bring 
this  about. 

The  other  important  step  was  the  establishment  of 
county  headquarters  for   Multnomah  forces.     A  working- 

47 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

woman's  "noon  rest"  was  a  marked  feature  of  the  work 
done  there.  This  was  the  first  work  of  the  kind  inaugurated 
in  the  state,  yes,  in  the  Northwest.  It  is  in  charge  of  a 
committee  made  up  of  members  from  every  union  in  the 
county.  Multnomah  is  the  focal  point  of  Oregon,  the  po- 
litical as  well  as  commercial  storm  center,  and  it  is  a  neces- 
sity to  the  best  advancement  of  the  work  that  there  should 
be  maintained  here  a  headquarters  open  all  the  time  which 
shall  be  a  bureau  of  information  along  all  reform  and  phi- 
lanthropic lines. 

No  movement  ever  promulgated  by  our  forces  has  proved 
itself  more  decidedly  or  practically  a  necessity  than  this  one. 
As  a  matter  of  history  and  for  the  benefit  of  those  unac- 
quainted with  the  work  we  append  part  of  the  report  as 
given  by  the  board  at  the  fifth  anniversary : 

"Five  years  ago,  after  no  little  hard  work,  the  Multnomah 
County  W.  C.  T.  U.  inaugurated  this  new  movement.  It 
grew  out  of  the  study  of  the  labor  department  of  the  organi- 
zation. 

"Before  opening  the  'noon  rest'  the  president  of  the 
board  of  managers  visited  similar  institutions  in  several 
states.  All  other  methods  of  work,  with  and  for  working 
women  and  girls,  were  thoroughly  investigated. 

"When  we  first  started  out  to  solicit  aid  in  opening  up 
the  work  many  could  not  understand  the  need  of  such  work. 
Nothing  of  the  kind  had  ever  been  spoken  of  before.  New 
movements  grow  slowly.  The  history  of  the  past  five  years 
is  indeed  interesting.  So  many  other  philanthropies  already 
established  appealed  to  the  people.  The  majority  of  sub- 
scriptions were  very  small,  and  it  has  been  a  matter  of  care- 
ful planning  and  an  economical  use  of  money  to  keep  it  in 
good  running  order.  If  the  public  at  large  could  have  felt 
the  importance  of  such  a  place,  as  did  the  president,  who 
inaugurated  it,  no  difficulty  would  have  been  experienced 
in  procuring  funds,  ample  and  generous.  The  work  is  the 
broadest,  most  entirely  non-sectarian,  that  can  be  imagined, 
yet  an  atmosphere  of  true  Christian  refinement  pervades  the 
rooms.    This  institution  stands  for  a  great  sisterhood,  based 

48 


OREGON  W.  G  T.  U. 

on  the  divine  edict,  'All  ye  are  brethren,'  and  the  motto, 
'Love  thy  neighbor.' 

"The  'noon  rest'  must  be  situated  in  the  very  heart  of 
the  business  center.  Here  rents  are  high.  Many  times  have 
we  wished  for  some  generous,  humanity-loving  man  or  wo- 
man who  would  enable  us  to  have  better  quarters.  Yet  we 
have  much  for  which  to  be  thankful,  in  the  fact  that  hearts 
have  been  comforted.  Women,  worthy  and  refined,  stranded 
in  our  city,  have  been  aided  in  such  ways  as  to  bring  from 
them  words  of  strongest  thanks  and  loving  praise.  Al- 
though we  were  unable  to  pay  the  stipulated  price  to  open 
a  regular  paying  employment  bureau,  yet  hosts  of  girls  and 
some  boys  and  men  have  found  employment  by  our  aid. 
Our  emergency  fund  and  protective  work  have  languished 
somewhat  because  of  limited  means.  Still,  it  remains  to  be 
reported  that  for  five  years  the  work  has  gone  on,  and  is 
now  so  well  established  that  surely  all  we  need  to  do  is  to 
tell  of  our  work,  and  of  the  increasing  demands  made  upon 
us,  to  interest  many  people,  who  have  hitherto  not  been  es- 
pecially interested. 

"It  means  something  to  Portland  to  have  such  an  insti- 
tution well  established  in  its  midst.  It  has  always  been  a 
wonder  to  us,  why  many  who  are  well  blessed  with  earthly 
possessions  did  not  offer  more  assistance,  and  we  have  been 
led  to  believe  it  is  because  we  have  not  asked  more.  Our 
work  has  not  been  urged  upon  people.  We  have  up  to  this 
time  done  very  little  'begging  or  soliciting.'  To  the  few 
who  have  generously  stood  by  us  we  extend  our  sincere 
thanks.  Now  that  the  institution  is  permanently  fixed,  doing 
a  grand,  good  work,  with  constantly  increasing  demands 
upon  the  committee,  we  are  looking  forward  to  the  time 
when  some  one,  who  can,  will  aid  us  in  securing  more  com- 
modious quarters.  From  out-of-town  people,  and  from 
quite  a  number  of  others,  we  have  received  many  encour- 
aging words  of  commendation.  One  woman,  from  another 
state,  recently  said:  'I  have  visited  a  number  of  such  insti- 
tutions, and  must  say  yours  excels  them  in  many  ways.'  An- 
other said  :    'Why,  this  is  the  grandest  movement  I  know  of. 

49 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

I  am  going  right  home  to and  see  if  I  cannot  start 

one.' 

"To  the  many  questions  recently  asked  of  us,  concern- 
ing methods,  etc.,  we  wish  to  emphasize  the  fact  that  no  en- 
trance fee  is  required.  The  door  stands  wide  open  for  every 
girl  and  every  woman  who  needs  rest,  quiet,  aid  or  advice. 
We  have  never  turned  any  one  away  without  trying  to  ren- 
der assistance.  This  place  is  designed  for  something  more 
than  a  noon  resting  place.  It  is  open  all  day,  with  inner 
circles  of  work,  extending  in  various  directions.  A  young 
woman  who  was  aided  in  establishing  herself  in  certain 
work  two  years  ago,  and  to  whom  we  loaned  money  two 
different  times,  called  on  the  president  last  week,  as  she  was 
passing  through  the  city,  to  thank  her  again  for  placing 
confidence  in  her,  and  for  assistance  rendered.  In  face  of 
the  good  accomplished,  should  we  not  be  sustained?  Have 
we  not  earned  the  right  to  just  recognition  as  a  permanent 
philanthropy,  which  should  receive  support  and  encourage- 
ment? 

"Financially  we  have  always  aimed  to  keep  even,  and 
we  have  shunned  debt,  the  rock  upon  which  so  many  are 
wrecked.  This  institution  is  established  beyond  an  experi- 
ment, and  we  believe  that  a  generous  public  will  see  our 
needs  and  strengthen  the  financial  stakes.  This  work,  eman- 
ating as  it  has  from  the  study  of  the  ethical  side  of  the  great 
labor  question,  covers  ground  never  before  pre-empted  in 
this  city.  It  is  intended  for  headquarters  for  industrial 
womanhood.  The  evening  class  work  and  such  worthy  edu- 
cational lines  belong  more  especially  to  other  Christian  so- 
cieties. These  we  do  not  embrace  in  our  work.  As  means 
are  procured,  however,  we  shall  broaden  the  work  until  it 
covers  much  that  is  included  in  general  'settlement  work/ 
which  is  distinctive  and  apart  from  that  carried  on  by  other 
societies." 

The  following  extract  from  the  dedication  address  gives 
the  key  to  the  inward  spirit : 

"The  whole  universe  of  God  is  keyed  to  an  economy  of 
mutual  service.     As  a  musical  chord  is  made  up  of  a  triad 

50 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

of  musical  sounds,  so  our  life  should  be  made  up  of  the 
grand  triad,  mutual  need,  mutual  love,  mutual  service.  A 
false  note,  a  dropped  third  or  fifth,  and  the  beautiful  har- 
mony is  lost.  The  law  of  use,  'all  for  each,  each  for  all,' 
should,  through  us,  become  an  enforced  law.  There  has 
been  danger  that  in  our  devotion  to  our  own  dry  crusts  of 
doctrine  we  mi^ht  miss  the  vital  inflow  of  the  living  spirit 
that  is  continually  going  forth  to  clothe  itself  in  the  new 
forms  and  uses  which  are  certain  to  appear  as  civilization 
progresses.  Embedded  in  the  rock  of  our  faith,  we  may 
become  fossilized  shells,  showing  to  later  generations  the 
strata  of  thought  in  which  we  were  buried,  while  over  us 
the  moving  current  of  life,  to  which  we  paid  little  heed,  is 
springing  forward  to  fresh  developments  in  which  we  have 
no  share.  It  is  what  we  share  that  makes  the  law  of  serv- 
ice. It  is  but  the  law  of  love  in  action.  Love  is  the  main- 
spring of  our  work.  We  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  have  broken 
through  the  dry  crusts. 

"It  is  the  desire  to  make  this  room  an  understood  and 
recognized  headquarters  for  women,  that  here  they  might 
find  comfort,  rest  and  good  reading  matter.  Our  country 
friends,  coming  in  to  shop,  will  find  here  a  most  convenient 
resting  place.  To  the  large  number  of  saleswomen  who  so 
graciously  wait  on  us  at  the  stores,  we  ask  the  privilege  of 
being  also  gracious  to  them,  by  supplying  them  with  a  com- 
fortable, convenient  place  to  rest  during  their  noon  hour." 

In  looking  over  the  Register  we  find  names  from  all 
parts  of  the  country,  together  with  comments  of  satisfaction 
at  finding  such  a  place.     Here  are  a  few  of  the  entries: 

"It  is  a  grand  work  for  a  great  cause.  You  must  not 
suffer  it  to  fail."    Signed  by  a  worker  from  Nebraska. 

Another  from  Ohio  writes : 

"One  who  has  found  the  warmest  friend  in  the  great 
time  of  dire  need.  This  friend  is  your  matron,  Mrs.  Black- 
well.  She  has  won  from  myself,  my  mother  and  my  brother 
most  warm  feelings  toward  her  and  the  organization  for 
which  she  so  noblv  labors." 

51 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

A  New  York  woman  writes : 

"Missed  the  outgoing-  train ;  nine  hours  to  wait ;  was 
directed  to  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  noon  rest,  and  feel  amply  rec- 
ompensed for  my  long  walk ;  found  a  hearty  welcome  from 
the  matron  and  was  made  very  comfortable  in  this  home- 
like, interesting  place.  I  count  this  thing  to  be  grandly 
true,  that  a  noble  deed  is  a  step  toward  God." 

Our  first  matron,  Mrs.  Hida,  won  the  hearts  of  the 
girls  from  the  very  first,  and  it  was  a  source  of  deep  regret 
that  she  had  to  lay  down  the  work  on  account  of  ill  health. 

Mrs.  S.  E.  Foster  next  filled  the  position,  and  what  she 
was  to  the  hundreds  of  girls  coming  under  her  influence 
will  only  be  fully  revealed  when  the  roll  up     yonder  is 

called. 

Mrs.  M.  C.  Blackwell  was  her  successor,  and  it  would 
take  a  volume  to  record  the  good  done  by  this  matron.  Her 
judgment  in  helping  cases  difficult  to  handle  was  most  com- 
mendable.    She  is  a  born  lawyer. 

Mrs.  Peake  succeeded  her,  Mrs.  Blackwell  being  ill  and 
very  much  in  need  of  rest  and  a  change.  Mrs.  Sarah  Peake 
is  a  woman  of  wonderful  resources  who  keeps  on  doing, 
never  turning  any  one  away  who  needs  help ;  and,  assisted 
by  her  sister,  Mrs.  S.  Bryant,  they  work  untiringly  for  the 
interest  of  the  cause. 

Our  annual  Harvest  Home  was  held  in  Albany  in  1897. 
Again  a  spirit  of  economy  prevented  printed  minutes,  so 
my  gleanings  have  of  necessity  been  few. 

The  largest  union  reported  was  Warm  Springs,  102 
members. 

The  second  largest  was  Newberg,  88  members  enrolled, 
46  paid  up.     Albany  paid  on  43. 

Brownsville  had  83  enrolled,  but  a  paid-up  membership 
of  43. 

Linn  county  won  the  banner. 

Several  speakers  of  note  visited  the  state  this  year. 

Clara  Hoffman,  national  recording  secretary,  came  first. 
She  is  a  happy  combination  of  wit,  logic  and  humor.  Miss 
Willard  called  her  "Great  Heart."  Oregon  greatly  enjoyed 
her  forcible  and  logical  lectures. 

52 


MRS.  ANN  HILL  RUSSELL, 
First  President  Ashland  Union. 


MRS.  C.  J.  cox  now 

First  President  of  Lane  County. 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

She  was  followed  by  Miss  Belle  Kearny  of  Mississippi, 
national  lecturer.  Beautiful,  cultured,  accomplished,  a  fine 
specimen  of  noble,  intellectual,  southern  womanhood,  she 
delivered  18  addresses  and  took  all  the  hearts  by  storm.  Miss 
Kearny  sailed  on  July  8  for  Alaska. 

Then  came  Mrs.  Marion  Baxter  with  her  stirring  ad- 
dresses, and  her  charming  daughter  with  her  fine  recita- 
tions. 

And  Jessie  Ackerman,  who  had  again  returned  to  us. 

Our  Y  work,  once  so  flourishing,  has  seemed  to  languish, 
only  a  very  few  reporting  this  year. 

Several  bills  were  prepared  for  the  legislature  this  year. 
Xo  success  reported. 

Co-operated  with  the  Suffrage  association  for  the  suf- 
frage amendment.  It  was  lost,  but  we  believe  a  great  gain 
in  public  sentiment  resulted. 

A  board  of  superintendents  was  organized  in  1896  and 
was  most  helpful. 

From  the  Umatilla  Indian  reservation  comes  the  fol- 
lowing: 

UMATILLA  RESERVATION. 

A  temperance  convention  was  held  here  for  Indians  by 
Indians  and  with  none  present  but  Indians.  The  speeches 
of  the  "pow-wow"  were  made  by  Chief  Peo,  Young  Chief, 
No  Shirt,  Judge  Cash-Cash,  and  Jack  Chapman.  The  young 
men  had  it  pretty  straight  (the  interpreter  said)  on  the  hab- 
it of  drinking  liquor.  They  listened  well  and  many  of  them 
will  take  advice. 

Mrs.  Rev.  J.  A.  Speer,  superintendent  of  Indian  work 
at  Warm  Springs  reservation,  sent  the  following  item  to 
the  official  paper  in  January,  1897 : 

"It  is  really  pitiable  to  hear  some  of  these  poor  Indians 
relate  how  they  have  been  enticed  to  drunkenness  by  white 
men.  A  letter  came  recently  from  another  reservation  to 
an  Indian  at  this  place,  in  which  the  writer,  himself  a  red 
man,  said:  'We  Indians  must  stand  together  to  close  up 
the  saloons.' 

53 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

"A  Umatilla  Indian  wrote  to  one  of  his  friends  here  say- 
ing that  all  but  a  very  few  of  the  Indians  on  that  reserva- 
tion had  signed  a  petition  to  Washington  asking  that  their 
citizenship  be  taken  away  so  that  their  people  could  not  get 
whisky  just  like  white  men.  He  said  they  wanted  the  sa- 
loons closed." 

An  interesting  superintendents'  conference  was  held  in 
Portland,  the  state  superintendents  discussing  the  correla- 
tion of  their  various  lines  of  work.  The  motto  of  the  board 
was,  "The  strength  of  the  chain  is  in  its  weakest  link." 

THOUGHTS  FOR  THE  NOON  HOUR. 

When  you  are  swimming  against  the  tide  of  public  opinion, 
be  assured  that  you  are  no  dead  fish,  for  they  float  with  it. — 
Mother  Thompson. 


Ask  God  to  give  the  skill 

In  comfort's  art, 
That  thou  mayst  consecrated  be 

And  set  apart 
Unto  a  life  of  sympathy. 

For  heavy  is  the  weight  of  ill 

In  every  heart; 
And  comforters  are  needed  much 

Of  Christ-like  touch. 


How  sweet  the  courtesies  which  spring  from  love, 

How  priceless  the  blessings  of  friendship. 

If  you  have  a  kind  word,  say  it, 

It  stills  the  sigh,  awakes  the  song. 

Can  you  do  a  kind  deed,  do  it, 

It  lifts  the  burdens,  makes  hearts  strong. 


Resting — yes,    sweetly    resting 
In  the  "Everlasting  Arms," 

All  the  battles  of  life  breasting, 
Safe,  oh  safe  from  every  harm, 
Billows  pass  me  lulled  to  calm. 

All  unseen,  the  arms  enfolded 

That  upholds  and  carries  us 
Over  billows,  no  more  moulded 

By  vain  glory — only  trust, 

Yes,  how  sweet,  only  trust. — L.  H.  F.  A. 


54 


MRS.  SARAH  M.  KERN, 
Fourth  and  Present  Recording  Secretary. 


MRS.  E.  D.  THOMAS, 
Present  President  of  Washington  County. 


In  Memoriam 


'How  Beautiful  to  Be  With  God.' 


FRANCES  E.  WILLARD. 


By  Louise  A.  Nash. 


Great  mother-heart  in  all  but  name, 

How  didst  thou  rule  with  gentle  sway, 

How  motherest  the  great  wide  world, 

To  "home"  all  lost  on  life's  rough  way? 

Thou  queen  in  all  save  but  a  crown, 
Nay,  not  a  cross  is  surely  thine, 

With  many  a  precious  gem  is  set 

Won  from  the  deepest,  darkest  mine. 

Liege  leader  of  the  vast  white  host, 
Who  battles  wage  in  peaceful  fight 

With  all  that  was  against  the  home, 

'Gainst   every  wrong,  for  every  right. 

How  do  our  orphaned  spirits  mourn, 
No  mother-heart  our  own  to  greet* 

The  scepter  dropt  from  queenly  hands, 

And  white  flags  furled  at  the  chieftain's  feet. 

Our  mother's  crown  we  will  not  grudge, 
Nor  her  right  hand  its  heavenly  palm. 

Welcome,  acclaim — the  Master's  well  done, 
As  she  enters  the  land  of  calm. 

With  eyes  bedewed  we'll  prove  our  love 
To  mother  and  chieftain  and  queen 

By  working  on  till  foes  are  quenched 

And  victory's  brightening  dawn  is  seen. 


55 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

February,  1898,  is  a  date  in  the  history  of  all  White 
Ribboners,  when  hearts  felt  crushed  not  only  in  Oregon, 
not  only  in  America,  but  in  the  world. 

Frances  Elizabeth  Willard  passed  from  this  life  to  life- 
land,  gone  to  join  the  beloved  ones  gone  before. 

The  cry  which  came  from  over  the  seas  from  Eastnor 
Castle,  penned  by  her  loving  comrade,  Lady  Henry  Som- 
erset, was  echoed  in  every  heart.  "What  can  I  write,  with 
blinding  tears  and  bleedine  heart,  only  one  fervent  prayer 
that  we  may  follow  that  way." 

Nothing  more  fitting  can  be  culled  from  the  annals  of 
that  sad  time  than  a  part  of  the  letter  from  our  state  presi- 
dent to  her  constituency.    This  came  to  us  from  her : 

Astoria,  February  20,  1898. 
White  Ribbon  Comrades: 

The  workers  fall,  but  God's  work  goes  on.  With  that 
thought  we  hush  the  orphan  cry  of  our  hearts,  under  the 
sense  of  this  awful  loss  that  has  come  to  us  and  the  world. 
It  seems  as  though  we  could  not  work  without  her,  the  peer- 
less one,  the  courageous  leader,  the  statesmanlike  thinker, 
the  eloquent-tongued  orator,  the  broad-minded  philanthro- 
pist, the  consecrated  Christian,  the  loving,  tender-hearted 
woman,  Frances  Willard.  She  has  gone  to  join  the  now 
unbroken  circle  of  her  family  in  the  heavenly  mansions.  We 
cannot  mourn  her.     We  weep  only  for  our  own  loss. 

But  her  life  has  meant  little  to  us  if  it  does  not  induce 
us  to  be  more  earnest  in  the  temperance  cause,  more  con- 
secrated to  the  best  interests  of  humanity,  with  loftier  ideals, 
with  grander  purpose,  with  more  Christlike  spirit,  because 
she  lived  and  walked  among  us. 

Memorial  services  were  held  all  over  our  state.  It  was 
a  world's  sorrow. 

It  was  my  privilege  to  mingle  my  tears  with  those  of 
the  comrades  of  my  native  state,  Massachusetts.  What  a 
gathering  that  was  in  old  historic  King's  chapel  in  Boston, 
packed  to  overflowing  with  friends  of  the  cause,  everything 
light  and  white,  no  somberness,  flowers,  white  ribbons, 
white  doves,  all  telling  of  love,  peace  and  purity. 

56 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

As  the  large  concourse  thronged  in  and  around  the  build- 
ing, so  many  white  ribbon  badges  in  sight,  I  fervently  said : 

"Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds;  verily  it  makes  the  whole 
world  akin." 

In  the  First  Baptist  church  in  Portland,  the  white  tem- 
ple, memorial  services  were  held,  intended  to  be  more  than 
local. 

Anna  R.  Riggs,  honorary  state  president,  presided,  in 
the  unavoidable  absence  of  Mrs.  Narcissa  White  Kinney. 

Mrs.  Sarah  Kern,  state  recording  secretary ;  Rev.  Dr.  W. 
H.  Kellogg  of  the  Taylor  Street  M.  E.  church ;  Rev.  David 
Claiborne  Garrett  of  the  Trinity  Episcopal;  Rev.  George 
Hawes,  United  Presbyterian,  all  took  part  and  the  Rev.  J. 
Q.  A.  Henry,  fresh  from  Willard  hall  meetings  in  the  Wo- 
man's Temple,  Chicago,  made  an  address  that  moved  the 
audience  irresistibly.  State,  county  and  local  officers  were 
on  the  platform. 

Resolutions  of  love  and  sorrow  were  passed  by  all  our 
local  unions,  all  breathing  the  same  feeling  of  irreparable 
loss. 

The  following  resolution  from  the  State  Suffrage  associa- 
tion was  found  among  our  records  and  speaks  clearly  of  the 
"tie  that  binds" : 

Whereas,  Our  beloved  sister  and  co-worker,  Frances  E. 
Willard,  has  been  permitted  to  solve  the  eternal  mystery 
known  to  us  who  remain  in  the  body  as  death,  and 

Whereas,  We  believe  that  for  such  noble  souls  as  hers 
there  is  no  death ;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  while,  for  our  own  sakes,  we  sorrow  be- 
cause we  shall  see  her  face  no  more;  we  rejoice  with  her 
because  of  the  victory  over  death  that  has  enabled  her  to 
hear  the  welcome  plaudit,  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful 
servant ;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  the  Lord." 

That,  as  her  life  was  an  inspiration  while  in  the  body, 
so  in  her  new  and  risen  sphere  it  shall  remain  as  a  blessing 
ever  urging  us  on  to  deeds  of  devotion  to  the  great  cause 
of  liberty,  morality  and  temperance,  to  which  her  life  was 
dedicated  in  her  girlhood  and  to  which  her  ripened  matur- 

57 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

ity  lent  increasing  radiance,  till  the  angels    said,    "It    is 
enough,  come  up  higher." 

ABIGAIL  SCOTT  DUNIWAY. 

MARY  S.  WARD. 

JENNIE  C.  PRITCHARD. 

The  old  Teutonic  word  from  which  the  name  Frances 
comes  means  free. 

The  old  Hebrew  word,  from  which  we  get  the  word 
Elizabeth,  means  "a  worshiper  of  God."  Putting  the  two 
together  we  have  "A  free  worshiper  of  God." 

Was  there  not  something  prophetic  in  the  very  naming 
of  this  child? 

Frances  Willard  was  filled  with  an  inward  spiritual 
charm  that  defies  analysis. 

Wordsworth's  lines  fit  her  well — "Show  us  how  divine 
a  thing  a  woman  may  be  made :" 

O,  precious  memory  of  a  blessed  life, 

A  life  that  cannot  die; 
Lord,  let  her  spirit  lead  us  in  the  strife — 

Dear,  brave,  great  heart,  good  bye. 


IN  MEMORIAM. 
By  Louise  P.  Round. 

Rest,  weary  one,  thy  work  well  done; 

Earth's  toils  and  trials  past, 
The  trophies  thou  hast  richly  won 

At  Jesus'  feet  all  cast. 

Rest  sweetly,  rest  at  home. 

Rest,  noble  heart,  thy  task  laid  down, 

Thy  work  shall  still  go  on. 
Ascend  thy  throne,  receive  thy  crown, 

Thy  sway  we  still  will  own. 

Rest  thou,  and  reign  with  God. 

With  God?    Ah,  yes;  yet  thou  art  here 

And  "speakest  yet,"  in  love  tones  true. 

Courage,  brave  hearts,  press  on,  good  cheer, 
The  battle  wage,  with  goal  in  view, 
And  crown  and  victor's  palm. 


58 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

Her  trumpet-call  ye  comrades  hear, 

And  ye.  the  people  all, 
Defend  the  cause  to  her  so  dear, 

Fight   ye   King  Alcohol 

And  save  your  country's  homes. 

Your  work  in  vain?     It  cannot  be. 

If  Christ's  name,  so  true  His  word, 
The  victory  here  you  may  not  see, 

Yet  done  for  Him  there's  sure  reward 
And  rest  at  home  with  God. 


A  great  call  went  out  directly  after  the  passing  on  of 
our  beloved  leader  for  the  Woman's  Temple  at  Chicago  to 
be  made  a  memorial  for  her.  The  general  feeling  all  over 
the  land  was  that  this  would  be  a  most  fitting  memorial,  and 
one  which  would  please  her  most. 

Many  unions  worked  untiringly,  hoping  that  the  "house 
beautiful"  might  be  made  this  lasting  memorial. 

Mrs.  Kinney,  state  president,  in  the  official  organ  of  May 
15th,  made  a  strong  appeal  to  the  unions  to  make  a  great 
effort  to  secure  subscriptions  to  this  memorial  fund. 

The  records  have  no  account  of  the  amount  raised.  It 
is  a  matter  of  history  that  the  National  dropped  the  work 
of  paying  for  the  temple  the  following  summer,  and  in  Oc- 
tober of  the  same  year  (1898)  Oregon,  at  the  convention 
held  in  Eugene,  passed  the  following  resolution,  after 
lengthy  discussion : 

"In  loyalty  to  the  national  officers  we  reluctantly  concur 
in  their  decision  to  attempt  only  to  retire  the  trust  bonds 
and  not  try  any  longer  to  gain  ownership  of  the  temple." 

What  local  unions  have  done  toward  helping  to  liquidate 
the  debt  of  trust  bonds  records  do  not  reveal. 


59 


1898  brought  us  to  the  classic  city  of  Eugene.  What 
a  welcome  address  that  was  coming  from  the  heart  of  the 
veteran  comrade,  Elizabeth  Wilson.  The  line  of  march 
over  which  our  troops  had  come  was  portrayed  in  words 
that  thrilled  the  hearts  and  moistened  the  eyes  of  the  entire 
audience. 

Three  sections  of  the  state  responded. 

Mrs.  D.  E.  Hyde,  the  cheery  voice  from  the  southern 
border;  Mrs.  McGinnis,  with  the  enthusiasm  of  the  eastern 
section,  and  Mrs.  Additon  for  the  middle  portion. 

Citizens,  churches  and  educational  institutions  all  had 
hearty  welcome. 

The  annual  address  of  the  president  was  tinged  with  the 
shadow  of  the  great  sorrow  the  organization  was  passing 
through. 

Mrs.  Maude  Green  and  Miss  Hattie  Henderson  held  nine 
of  their  unique  meetings,  chalk  talking,  etc. 

Mrs.  S.  H.  Spangler,  state  evangelist,  had  been  much 
afield,  bringing  in  many  sheaves. 

Mrs.  Jane  Blair  had  pushed  with  unabated  vigor  the 
departments  of  purity  and  purity  in  art  and  literature  (this 
latter  department  for  many  years  under  the  faithful,  earnest 
guidance  of  Docie  Macy,  whose  resignation  was  greatly  de- 
plored). McMinnville,  Brownsville,  Portland  and  Bandon 
reported  curfew  laws  obtained. 

Astoria  reported  eight  erring  women  reclaimed. 

If  the  details  of  the  law  enforcement  work  could  all  be 
written  down  it  would  fill  many  a  volume.  Reports  from 
various  parts  of  the  state  tell  of  many  a  saloon  dug  up  root 
and  branch  by  the  spade  of  remonstrance. 

The  history  of  Brownsville,  Woodburn,  Ashland,  For- 
est Grove,  Wasco,  Haines,  Milton,  Gresham,  Montavilla, 
Mount  Scott,  Monroe  and  other  places  is  replete  with  ac- 
counts of  battles  waged,  some  won,  some  lost  for  the  time. 

The  taking  the  ballot  away  from  the  women  on  the  sa- 
loon question,  by  a  revision  of  the  city  charter  in  Wood- 

60 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

burn,  was  nothing  short  of  an  outrage,  an  injustice  per- 
petrated upon  the  sisters  and  mothers,  who  had  so  long 
stood  solidly  for  "Home  Protection."  The  galaxy  of  brave, 
earnest  women  seems  to  march  before  my  mind's  eye,  as 
these  lines  are  penned.  Madames  Corby,  Cathey,  Barkley, 
Morcom,  Wright,  Johnson,  Richmond  and  others,  how  they 
worked.  Such  work  cannot  but  bring  in  ripe  harvest,  some 
day,  some  time. 

We  note  one  report  came  in,  that  at  one  point  where 
once  there  was  a  saloon,  now  a  stone  marked  the  place, 
with  this  epitaph  thereon : 

"  Died, 

"  A  Saloon. 

"  Nagged  to  death  by  Women/' 

We  say,  praise  the  Lord,  for  those  women.  May  their 
number  mutliply,  until  every  saloon  is  buried  fathoms  deep. 
We  trust  this  incident  is  true. 

Oregon  W.  C.  T.  U.  has  first  and  last  experienced  many 
severe  losses,  yet  seldom  one  heavier  than  the  removal  of 
our  tried  and  true  comrade,  Susan  E.  Foster,  to  Montana. 

Mrs.  Foster  served  as  State  Corresponding  Secretary 
for  several  years,  and  endeared  herself  to  all. 

On  August  15th  there  was  an  informal  reception  ten- 
dered her  at  Multnomah  County  Headquarters. 

It  was  not  known  she  was  to  go  so  early  in  the  year, 
hence  the  good-bye  party  was  a  very  hastily  arranged  affair. 
Yet,  thanks  to  Mrs.  Riggs,  and  her  telephone,  seventeen  re- 
sponded to  the  call,  local,  county  and  state  represented,  not- 
withstanding the  fact  of  its  being  midsummer,  when  so  many 
were  away  to  shore  and  mountains. 

As  we  sat  at  the  long  table,  made  cheery  by  lovely  flow- 
ers from  the  gardens  of  Mrs.  R.  T.  Rankin  and  Anna  Kuy- 
kendall,  wit  and  wisdom  flowed  freely,  as  all  did  ample 
justice  to  the  bounteous  lunch,  so  nicely  prepared  by  our 
faithful  matron,  Mary  C.  Blackwell. 

Then,  passing  to  the  reception  room,  an  impromptu 
program  was  enjoyed  by  all,  Mrs.  Anna  Riggs,  Honorary 
President  of  the  State,  presiding. 

61 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Loving  and  earnest  words  of  appreciation  and  affection- 
ate testimony  were  spoken.  Mrs.  Riggs,  representing  the 
Florence  Crittenden  Home ;  Miss  Frances  E.  Gotshall,  Port- 
land Central ;  Mrs.  Mary  L.  Driggs,  Multnomah  County ; 
Mrs.  H.  J.  Shane,  for  the  State;  Mrs.  L.  J.  Rideout,  for 
Albina ;  Mrs.  Kelly,  for  Sunnyside ;  all  testified  to  the  place 
Mrs.  Foster  held  in  their  hearts.  The  president  of  the  Noon 
Rest  Board  (Mrs.  Additon)  told  of  Mrs.  Foster's  very 
efficient  work  in  that  institution. 

Mrs.  Foster,  in  responding,  said:  "She  had  received 
far  more  than  she  had  given ;  that  the  wonderful  reflex 
influence  of  the  White  Ribbon  work,  with  its  affiliated 
interests,  had  been  a  wonderful  thing  in  her  life.  The 
old  feeling  of  cross-bearing  had  all  been  removed,  lifted,  by 
the  blessed  helpfulness  of  the  work.  The  young  lives  she 
had  come  in  contact  with,  in  the  Noon  Rest  work,  just 
budding,  blossoming,  had  been  an  inspiration,  and  through 
it  she  had  been  led  to  see  and  feel  the  power  divine  as 
never  before.  She  felt  the  work  of  the  Noon  Rest  had  been 
abundantly  blessed,  and  was  sure  its  influence  for  good  could 
not  be  measured. 

She  did  not  feel  she  was  leaving,  for  the  tie  of  the  white 
ribbon  could  not  be  severed. 

The  entire  company  felt  they  were  only  loaning  her  to 
Montana.  They  rejoiced  in  the  promotion  which  came  to 
her  from  the  University  of  Helena,  Montana. 


62 


MRS.  M.  A.  ROYAL, 
First  President  of  First  District. 


1 


MRS/  LUCY  WHITEAKER, 
First  President  of  Polk  County. 


A  Red  Letter  Year 


The  great  events  of  1899  were  the  conferences  held  in 
the  spring,  by  the  National  President,  Lillian  M.  N.  Stevens, 
and  her  able  vice-president,  Anna  Gordon. 

The  first  of  these  was  held  in  Ashland.  The  county 
officers  spared  no  effort  in  arranging  for  the  distinguished 
guests. 

The  conference  proved  most  successful,  and  was  largely 
attended. 

The  second  conference  was  held  at  Eugene,  and  undor 
the  skillful  management  of  Elizabeth  Wilson,  president  of 
Lane  county,  assisted  by  an  able  corps  of  workers,  was 
eminently  a  success.  Mrs.  Kinney,  state  president,  met  the 
guests  there  and  added  much  to  the  inspiration  of  the  meet- 
ing. 

The  young  women  of  Eugene  tendered  a  reception  to 
Anna  Gordon  at  the  hospitable  home  of  Mrs.  Wilkins. 

The  last  conference  was  held  in  Portland,  and  was  a 
fitting  "summing  up  of  the  state  work.  Was  a  grand  suc- 
cess from  the  artistic  programs  to  the  minor  detaiL  and 
arrangements. 

At  the  public  reception  held  at  the  First  Baptist  church, 
welcomes  were  extended  from  everybody,  it  would  seem, 
so  many  organizations  were  on  the  program,  from  Mayor 
Storey  down  to  the  humblest  citizen. 

Mrs.  Stevens,  in  her  response,  touched  with  tender  feel- 
ing upon  the  visit  of  Miss  Willard  to  our  state  in  1883. 
Miss  Gordon  also  spoke  of  her  former  visit  when  she  was 
Miss  Willard's  private  secretary. 

Prof.  Wilder's  orchestra  pealed  forth  enchanting  music. 

A  reception  was  held  in  the  parlors  of  the  church,  which 
were  most  artistically  and  beautifully  decorated.  Among 
the  decorations  were  seen  the  flags  of  all  nations.  The 
Y's   served   refreshments   in   a   charming,   dainty   manner. 

63 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Miss  Effie  Bennett,  leader  of  the  Y's  in  the  state,  was  a  most 
earnest,  attractive  Christian  character.  Mrs.  Lilian  J.  Amos 
was  chairman  of  reception  committee,  and  spared  no  pains 
in  making  this  reception  the  crowning  feature  of  Mrs. 
Steven's  trip. 

The  papers  and  discussions  of  the  conference  were  all 
interesting  and  profitable.  A  magnificent  bouquet  of  rare 
flowers  was  presented  to  Mrs.  Stevens  from  the  Womans' 
Press  Club. 

An  old  gentlemen's  quartette  rendered  several  musical 
selections,  to  the  delight  of  all. 

Miss  Carrie  Lee  Carter,  national  organizer,  who  had 
made  a  tour  of  the  state,  was  with  us  during  the  confer- 
ence. Miss  Carter  won  many  friends  while  in  Oregon 
by  her  magnetic  personality,  and  forceful  addresses.  The 
year  1899  was  also  a  memorable  one,  owing  to  the  pres- 
ence of  many  visitors  en  route  for  the  national  at  Seattle. 

Portland  was  the  place  of  our  "ingathering." 

Mrs.  Anna  Kuykendall,  recording  secretary  of  Multno- 
mah county,  deserves  especial  mention  for  her  untiring, 
faithful  service  in  arranging  for  this  convention. 

The  music  was  of  more  than  usual  high  order,  some  of 
the  leading  musical  talent  of  Portland  was  generousy  ten- 
dered us,  and  very  greatly  appreciated. 

Mrs.  Ida  Swan,  superintendent  of  scientific  temperance 
instruction,  reported  as  one  of  the  main  efforts  of  the  year 
the  trying  to  secure  an  amendment  to  the  existing  law. 
Mrs.  Kinney  had  labored  earnestly  and  efficiently,  spending 
a  week  in  Salem  during  legislature,  working  for  its  pas- 
sage, and  although  endorsed  heartily  by  State  Superinten- 
dent Ackerman,  also  by  the  convention  of  school  superin- 
tendents and  by  many  legislators,  it  failed  to  pass.  A  pon- 
derous school  bill,  with  a  jumble  of  laws  on  a  variety  of 
subjects  of  school  provision,  was  the  cause.  In  order  to 
pass  one  or  two  they  greatly  desired  passed,  for  lack  of  time 
to  consider  all,  those  not  considered  were  all  stricken  off, 
and  the  amendment  went  with  them. 

Eight  cities  reported  curfew  laws. 

64 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

Norinne  Law,  of  Michigan,  gave  an  inspiring  address 
one  evening. 

The  other  evening  was  in  charge  of  the  "Board  of  Super- 
intendents," the  first  and  only  time  this  honor  was  con- 
ferred upon  them — the  faithful  ones  who  keep  the  wheels 
turning. 

Mrs.  Lucy  Thurman,  national  leader  of  the  colored 
forces,  was  expected,  and  not  till  the  close  of  the  after- 
noon session  did  the  "board"  give  up  her  coming,  and  faced 
the  fact  that  the  leading  feature  of  their  program,  the 
drawing  card,  had  failed.  (Unforseen  circumstances  pre- 
vented Mrs.  Thurman  reaching  the  city.) 

The  members  of  the  board  pressed  their  chairman  into 
service,  requesting  she  give  an  impromptu  address  with  the 
department  banners  as  her  text ;  this  she  did.  Eleven  de- 
partments had  most  effective  banners,  which  were  arranged 
about  the  platform,  and  made  an  inspiring  theme  for  a 
stirring  address. 

The  public  press  spoke  very  highly  of  this  evening's 
program. 

A  beautiful  flower  service  was  one  feature,  every  dele- 
gate being  presented  with  a  bouquet  and  a  small  souvenir 
flag. 

The  literature  department,  under  the  very  efficient  man- 
agement of  State  Superintendent  Mrs.  Jennie  Groff,  as- 
sisted by  county  helper,  Frances  E.  Gotshall,  presented  rolls 
of  literature  tied  with  white  ribbon  to  the  audience  as  they 
passed  out.  Mrs.  Henrietta  Brown,  secretary  of  the  board, 
presided. 

Mission  work  was  demonstrated  by  a  mission  band  Sun- 
day School,  singing  delightfully.  This  band  was  under  the 
careful  training  of  Miss  L.  Hurlburt  and  Mr.  Edwards. 

Kindergarten  work  was  demonstrated  by  a  song  by  lit- 
tle Miss  Albee. 

The  Sunday  school  department  had  a  beautiful  banner, 
and  70  yards  of  the  red,  white  and  blue  cards  formed  a 
part  of  the  decoration,  arranged  in  the  most  effective  fes- 

65 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

toons  by  Mrs.  L.  J.  Rideout,  of  Albina,  who  for  years  served 
faithfully  in  this  department. 

The  peace  banner  was  most  artistic,  of  blue  silk,  with  the 
figure  of  a  little  child  worked  in  white  silk ;  the  child  was 
standing  upon  a  gun,  and  was  gazing  at  a  white  dove  wing- 
ing its  way  across  the  cerulean  blue ;  a  charming,  attractive, 
symbolic  picture.  The  press  department  banner  was  most 
unique — "The  Flying  Scroll,"  Ezek. 

All  were  most  effective. 

Mrs.  Narcissa  White  Kinney  was  re-elected  president, 
which  she  accepted  conditionally — that  she  should  be  obliged 
to  resign  before  the  year  was  out.  With  this  understanding, 
her  election  was  confirmed,  and  Mrs.  Helen  D.  Harford 
appointed  by  her  as  first  vice-president.  This  appointment 
was  ratified  by  the  convention. 

Mrs.  Henrietta  Brown,  re-elected  as  corresponding  sec- 
retary, resigned  on  account  of  ill  health. 

Mrs.  Lilian  J.  Amos,  of  Portland,  was  elected  in  her 
place. 

Mrs.  S.  M.  Kern,  recording  secretary,  and  Mrs.  H.  J. 
Shane,  treasurer,  were  re-elected. 

Linn  county  again  carried  off  the  banner  for  the  largest 
increase  of  membership.  Albany,  with  Mrs.  Blaine  as  presi- 
dent, had  the  largest  increase  of  any  local.  La  Grande, 
with  Mrs.  Stephenson  (the  faithful),  as  president,  came  in 
second. 

Mrs.  M.  J.  Janney,  of  Baker  City,  full  of  enthusiasm  and 
zeal,  was  first  to  place  her  name  in  for  life  membership,  fol- 
lowed closely  by  Mrs.  Narcissa  White  Kinney  and  Mrs.  M. 
J.  Anderson,. 

Mrs.  M.  E.  Fullilove  was  introduced  to  the  convention 
as  president  of  the  first  colored  union  organized  in  Oregon, 
and  this  their  youngest  child. 

Many  interesting  events  were  brought  about  by  the 
presence  of  the  national  convention,  the  Silver  Anniversary 
— in  Seattle  in  October.  Oregon  sent  a  large  and  enthus- 
iastic delegation,  for  the  first  time  in  the  twenty-five  years' 
history  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U. 

66 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

Many  women  of  note  tarried  for  a  while  with  us  in 
Portland. 

The  Y's,  under  the  leadership  of  their  state  secretary, 
Effie  Bennett,  captured  the  national  and  world's  leader — 
Mrs.  Frances  Barnes,  of  New  York,  and  Mrs.  Dorcas 
Spencer,  of  California.  A  delightful  reception  was  held 
for  them,  and  a  Sunday  afternoon  meeting. 

The  W's  were  wise  in  securing  Mrs.  Marion  Dunham 
for  a  public  lecture,  who  gave  a  most  telling  array  of  facts 
before  a  delighted  audience.  Many  of  our  women  from 
different  parts  of  the  state  were  present  and  enjoyed  the 
rare  treat. 

The  crowning  meeting  was  a  brilliant  reception,  at  the 
home  of  our  gracious  state  superintendent  of  "parlor  work," 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Dalgleish.  Many  distinguished  guests  were 
present.  Among  them:  Mrs.  Mary  V.  Tomlinson,  of 
Plainfield,  New  York,  national  superintendent  of  parlor 
work;  Mrs.  Ella  Thatcher,  of  New  Jersey,  of  soldier  and 
sailor  fame ;  Marion  Dunham,  president  of  Iowa  forces ; 
Mrs.  L.  E.  Bailey,  of  New  York,  national  organizer,  who 
had  been  doing  good  work  up  and  down  the  state ;  Mrs.  L. 
H.  Mills,  corresponding  secretary  of  Southern  California; 
Mrs.  Norinne  Law,  of  Michigan,  national  lecturer;  Mrs. 
Ellis,  wife  of  Congressman  Ellis,  author  of  the  "Ellis  Bill," 
from  Eastern  Oregon ;  Mrs.  Ada  Unruh,  lately  "home  from 
the  wars,"  with  much  added  glory;  Rev.  Ray  Palmer,  the 
eloquent,  and  ye  historian.  All  made  stirring,  ringing 
speeches,  the  keynote  being,  "Onward,  forward  march." 
This  was  indeed  a  "red  letter  day"  in  the  annals  of  Port- 
land. 

We  afterward  learned  that  Mrs.  Mary  Hunt,  of  scientific 
temperance  renown,  and  Mrs.  Hannah  Bailey,  leader  of 
the  peace  department,  were  at  the  Portland  Hotel  at  the 
same  time. 

What  an  addition  to  the  meeting  they  would  have  been. 

The  president  of  Roseburg  writes  of  the  great  impetus 
the  work  received  there  through  the  influence  of  Mrs.  L.  F. 

67 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

McWhirter,  president  of  Indiana,  who  came  to  them  from 
the  Seattle  convention,  a  guest  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marsters 
(relatives),  and  organized  a  Roseburg  Y.,  and  gave  the 
work  a  great  uplift. 

The  county  president  writes:  "Mrs.  McWhirter  is  a 
pearl  beyond  price.  It  is  good  to  see  some  sixty  boys  and 
girls  of  Roseburg  wearing  the  white  ribbon." 

Mrs.  Lucy  Thurman,  who  was  to  have  delivered  the 
address  at  the  state  convention,  made  a  very  successful  tour 
through  Oregon,  following  the  Seattle  convention. 

The  Lucy  Thurman  Union,  of  Portland,  organized  just 
prior  to  the  state  convention,  left  no  stone  unturned  in 
making  her  stay  in  Portland  pleasant  to  herself  and  profit- 
able to  the  work  among  the  colored  people  of  the  city. 

M.  E.  Fullilove,  president  of  this  union,  is  a  very  sin- 
cere Christian  woman,  an  evangelist  of  much  power. 

Mrs.  Thurman,  while  in  Portland,  was  entertained  by 
her  own  people.  Mrs.  B.  F.  Carl,  her  hostess,  tendered 
her  a  charming  reception.  An  L.  T.  L.  was  organized 
among  the  colored  children;  "our  posey  garden"  Lucy 
called  it. 

Two  other  receptions  were  tendered  this  gifted  woman, 
one  by  the  East  Side  Union  at  the  beautiful  home  of  the 
state  recording  secretary,  S.  M.  Kern,  and  this  in  itself  is 
sufficient  guarantee  that  it  was  a  charming  evening. 

The  second  was  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  Margaret  Mc- 
Farland,  one  of  Multnomah  county's  most  efficient  workers ; 
the  spacious  parlors  were  thronged  with  admirers  and 
friends.  The  colored  L.  T.  L.  sang  some  spirited  songs. 
The  program  and  refreshments  were  contributed  by  the 
Lucy  Thurman  W.  C.  T.  U.,  and  all  they  do  is  well  done ; 
they  have  much  fine  talent  among  them. 

This  year  Rev.  Wilbur  Crafts,  of  the  reform  bureau, 
and  a  loyal  member  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.,  was  with  us,  speak- 
ing on  Sabbath  observance. 

Mrs.  Frances  Leiter,  national  superintendent  of  "physi- 
cal education,"  gave  several  interesting  talks. 

68 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

In  December,  Mrs.  Kinney  resigned  the  presidency. 
Ill  health  compelled  a  hastening  to  a  dryer,  warmer  clime. 
Her  last  official  letter  was  publisned  in  the  December 
White  Ribboner.  This  resignation  came  a  little  earlier 
than  was  expected,  but  as  she  laid  down  the  gavel,  it  was 
taken  up  by  the  strong  and  kindly  hand  of  Helen  D.  Har- 
ford, who  came  to  this  position  of  honor  and  responsibility 
a  veteran  in  the  army,  with  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
work,  and,  endowed  with  marked  ability  as  a  field  worker, 
a  good  parliamentarian,  and  the  work  will  not  be  likely  to 
languish  under  her  care. 

Mrs.  Margaret  McKenzie,  of  Multnomah  county,  and 
Miss  Edna  Lilian  Amos,  of  Portland  Y.,  were  delegates 
from  Oregon  to  the  world's  convention  in  Edinboro,  Scot- 
land.    Their  reports  were  full  of  interest. 

Institute  work  (the  schools  of  method)  has  developed 
and  has  done  exceedingly  effective  work  in  many  quarters. 
Mrs.  Harford  held  some  especially  helpful  meetings  in  Ben- 
ton county  and  elsewhere. 

The  work  at  the  Chautauqua  assembly  grounds,  at  Glad- 
stone and  Ashland,  has  devekped  into  a  most  interesting 
educational  factor  of  the  great  meetings. 

The  Institutes  (formerly  called  schools  of  method)  have 
been  very  successful. 

Each  year  a  very  profitable  program  is  carried  out.  W. 
C.  T.  U.  headquarters  upon  the  ground  is  a  fixed  feature. 

In  looking  up  the  data  for  this  history,  one  thing  was 
clearly  shown,  namely,  that  many  popular  and  successful 
movements  owe  their  first  inspiration  to  the  W.  C.  T.  U. 
A-.  for  instance,  the  very  popular  "Coffee  Club"  of  Corval- 
Hs  was  first  conceived  in  the  hearts  of  the  little  band  of 
white  ribboners,  and  was  discussed,  prayed  over  and  finally 
resulted  in  a  call  being  sent  out  to  the  women  of  the  city  to 
unite  in  forming  a  "Coffee  Club,"  the  object  of  the  organiza- 
tion being  to  serve  coffee  and  such  other  refreshments  as 
were  needed  to  the  firemen  at  the  close  of  a  fire,  and  thereby 
keep  many  from  the  saloon,  always  ready  to  bid  for  their 
presence  and  patronage,  and  often  times  the  only  place  open 

69 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

if  the  fire  occurred  in  the  night.  The  fire  company  was  a 
volunteer  one  and  included  many  of  the  leading  young  men 
of  the  city.  It  was  organized  with  prominent  white  ribbon- 
ers  active  in  its  work  for  years,  one  of  our  leading  state 
workers  holding  the  office  of  president  several  years. 

When  the  Iowa  Press  association  made  a  memorable 
tour  through  the  Northwest  (1885),  a  joint  committee  from 
the  three  women's  societies — Coffee  Club,  W.  C.  T.  U.  and 
Y.  W.  C.  T.  U. — were  appointed  by  the  citizens  to  have 
charge  of  a  banquet,  tendered  them  as  they  halted  at  noon 
at  Corvallis.  Among  items  of  interest  was  a  cake  sent  in 
decorated  with  little  candy  jugs  and  bottles  filled  with  wine. 
The  committee  receiving  the  cake  stood  and  gazed  on  it  in 
doubt  as  to  its  disposal.    What  should  they  do  with  it  ? 

One  quick-witted  woman  said  "I'll  fix  it,"  and  then  pro- 
ceeded to  attach  to  each  offending  jug  or  bottle  a  card  con- 
taining a  temperance  text,  "Wine  is  a  mocker,"  etc.  The 
cake  was  then  placed  upon  the  table. 

Iowa  was  then  a  straight  prohibition  state.  Those  visit- 
ing editors  at  once  noted  this  remarkable  cake,  and  as  they 
read  the  mottoes  cheered  the  temperance  ladies  heartily. 

A  few  days  later  one  of  the  editors  dropped  in  upon  us 
at  the  state  convention  in  East  Portland  and  recited  to  us 
the  "Legend  of  the  Cake,"  with  words  of  strongest  praise 
for  the  staunch  principle  displayed. 

The  Baby  Home,  a  well  known  institution  in  Portland, 
was  founded  by  the  East  Portland  W.  C.  T.  U.  In  January, 
1888,  with  only  seven  dollars,  a  few  articles  of  second-hand 
furniture  and  unlimited  faith  in  God  as  a  helper,  this  home 
for  homeless  babies  was  opened.  We  find  the  names  of 
Mrs.  Kate  P.  Mendenhall,  Mrs.  R.  M.  Robb  and  "Aunty 
Abraham"  as  those  who  were  supporting  this  movement. 
The  records  tell  of  a  time  of  discouragement,  when  the 
very  foundation  seemed  slipping  from  under  them;  both 
Mrs.  Mendenhall  and  Mrs.  Robb  ill,  and  the  Union  felt 
from  sheer  necessity  they  must  discontinue  the  work,  and 
voted  so  to  do,  when  at  the  very  next  meeting  the  action 
was  rescinded  under  the  magic  influence  of  Mrs.  Robb,  who 

70 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

from  a  sick-bed  attended  the  meeting  to  tell  of  her  grief  at 
their  decision.  The  work  was  resumed  with  fresh  zeal. 
They  incorporated  the  following  year,  and  cared  for  132 
children  during  the  year. 

The  ground  the  present  "Home"  is  located  on  was  the 
gift  of  Captain  and  Mrs.  J.  W.  Kern,  our  very  own.  Of  the 
change  of  management  to  the  present  one  we  are  unin- 
formed. 

About  this  time  the  Central  Portland  Union  started  a 
Woman's  Exchange,  and  a  little  later  an  Industrial  Home 
for  women  and  girls,  with  a  kindergarten,  a  day  nursery 
and  a  sewing  school.  The  following  year  this  Home  was 
changed  to  the  "Refuge  Home,"  the  need  of  the  hour  de- 
manding a  refuge  for  unfortunate  women  and  girls.  This 
home  was  first  located  on  Columbia  and  Second  streets,  later 
on  purchased  property  on  East  Side,  and  later  still  on  its 
present  site,  Thirty-first  and  Glisan,  on  land  donated  by  Mrs. 
William  Ladd. 

It  is  now  the  "Florence  Crittenton  Home,"  and  while  it 
is  not  under  W.  C.  T.  U.  management,  is  aided  by  them  and 
is  considered  an  affiliated  interest,  bearing  directly  on  our 
Purity  department  work. 

Mrs.  Anna  R.  Riggs  was  originator  of  the  institution, 
and  has  been  president  of  the  board  of  managers  from  the 
first,  Mrs.  Foster,  corresponding  secretary;  Mrs.  Shane, 
treasurer ;  Mrs.  Kern,  first  vice-president ;  Mrs.  Hoxter,  field 
financial  agent,  are  acting  officers  at  time  of  writing. 

In  1892  the  following  extract  from  the  secretary's  report 
was  published  in  the  daily  Oregonian,  and  gives  a  very 
clear  idea  of  the  aims  of  the  work : 

Published  in  the  "Oregonian"  of  May  yd. 
"A  little  more  than  four  years  ago  the  Refuge  Home  was 
opened  as  a  refuge  for  the  lost  and  fallen  among  women  and 
girls.  It  offers  the  shelter  of  a  Christian  home — the  safe- 
guard of  Christian  care — to  the  unfortunate  class  to  whose 
rescue  this  enterprise  stands  committed.  This  institution 
i    not  a  reform  school ;    it  is  not  a  hospital,  and  yet  in  its 

71 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

work  for  the  reformation  of  lost  womanhood  it  must  include 
these  in  its  ministeries.  It  does  endeavor  to  guide  and  con- 
trol young  girls  early  abandoned  to  the  chance  compan- 
ionship of  the  street ;  it  does  care  for  the  necessities  of  ma- 
ternity and  helpless  infancy  born  to  an  inheritance  of  sin  and 
shame. 

The  number  of  the  inmates  is  limited  only  by  the  accom- 
modations of  the  building,  and  in  order  to  shelter  as  many 
as  possible,  and  also  because  of  the  want  of  better  sanitary 
conditions,  the  sick  are  sent  to  the  hospital  and  cared  for  at 
the  expense  of  the  institution. 

The  girls  come  from  various  stations  in  life,  from  the 
variety  theatre,  the  brothel,  the  jail,  the  Boys'  and  Girls'  Aid 
Society,  and  from  domestic  service;  from  city,  street,  and 
rural  district,  but  all  alike  needing  the  protection  and  disci- 
pline of  such  an  institution. 

Many  of  these  girls  have  received  little  or  no  training  in 
the  proprieties,  the  moralities,  and  the  industries  of  well- 
ordered  lives.  Many,  left  motherless  in  childhood*  have 
been  allowed  to  roam  the  streets  and  form  such  acquaintances 
as  their  restless  fancies  directed,  and  have  easily  drifted  into 
a  life  of  vice.  One,  with  her  young  brothers  and  sisters, 
was  abandoned  by  a  brutal  father  to  perish  in  the  woods  or 
live  as  best  they  could.  The  mother  of  this  hapless  flock 
is  insane,  and  the  girl  who  was  brought  to  our  doors  is  weak 
in  body  and  mind,  and  may  never  recover  from  the  horrors 
of  her  childhood.  Some  have  mothers  living,  and  have  been 
ungrateful  and  disobedient,  and  some  poor  girls  have  not 
had  good  homes  or  careful  mothers. 

All  who  are  received  come  under  the  rules  and  discipline 
of  the  Home/' 

What  was  known  as  'The  Working  Women's  Club"  of 
Portland  was  organized  in  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  county  head- 
quarters. Under  the  leadership  of  the  state  superintendent 
of  the  labor  department,  it  was  the  outcome  of  earnest  study 
of  the  woman's  wage  question,  and  organized  after  the  plan 
of  the  national  society,  of  which  Grace  Dodge  of  New  York 
was  honored  leader. 

72 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

The  society,  after  a  more  or  less  successful  life,  died,  we 
believe  largely  owing  to  the  fact  that  it  went  away  from  home 
and  mother,  departing  from  the  plan  and  design  of  the 
founder. 

Very  few  in  Portland  know  that  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  was 
"the  power  behind  the  throne,"  that  led  to  the  placing  of  the 
first  drinking  water  on  the  plaza  in  front  of  the  court  house. 
In  1 89 1  the  plaza  was  not  the  attractive  place  of  today.  An 
unsightly  band  stand  stood  near  the  center,  and  was  a  ren- 
dezvous for  unemployed,  and  indolent,  idle  men.  Plenty  of 
saloons  in  sight,  yet,  no  drinking  water  to  be  had. 

The  W.  C.  T.  U.  took  steps  first  to  hold  gospel  meetings 
there  on  Sunday,  the  mayor  was  interviewed,  the  pastors  in- 
vited to  help.  Seats  were  placed  in  front  of  the  band  stand 
and  regular  preaching  established  for  the  summer. 

Secretary  Jacks  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  taking  general  charge, 
assisted  by  pastors  and  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  Then  the  question 
of  water  came  up.  A  committee  took  a  petition  to  the 
mayor,  and  without  any  blowing  of  trumpets  or  publicity 
over  it,  water  was  soon  provided.  To  be  sure  it  was  not 
in  the  form  of  a  magnificent  fountain ;  only  the  water  pipes, 
with  faucet  and  dipper,  but  nevertheless,  it  was  seed  sown 
in  the  right  direction,  and  was  no  little  thing  either  to  ac- 
complish then. 

The  early  struggle  in  East  Portland  in  establishing  and 
maintaining  headquarters,  for  years,  deserves  special  men- 
tion, and  the  names  of  Kate  Mendenhall  and  Mrs.  E.  J. 
Ross  (of  blessed  memory)  as  presidents  and  leaders  of 
great  ability  are  written  on  the  pages  of  the  hearts  of  many 
white  ribboners.  Mrs.  R.  M.  Robb,  now  Mrs.  Steele  of 
Marion,  closely  connected  with  all  the  early  success,  as  well 
as  hardships,  of  this  East  Side  work,  and  Mrs.  S.  M.  Kern, 
as  their  successor,  who  for  years  has  held  aloft  the  banner, 
headquarters  being  moved  near  her  own  home,  and  from  the 
corner  of  Powell  street  one  can  see  the  letters,  W.  C.  T.  U. 
on  a  little  building,  testifying  always  to  the  faithfulness  and 
loyalty  of  East  Portland  workers. 

One  of  our  state  organizers  began  in  the  early  years  to 

73 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

talk  of  the  power  for  good,  bulletin  boards  would  be.  The 
first  county  to  report  as  following  the  recommendation  was 
Jackson  county.  The  practical,  businesslike  county  presi- 
dent, Mrs.  D.  E.  Hyde,  at  once  saw  the  utility  of  such  a 
means  of  education,  and  had  them  established. 

Ashland  union  could  give  an  interesting  chapter  on  their 
experiences. 

Other  counties  followed,  Gresham,  in  Multnomah,  hav- 
ing quite  a  warm  experience.  They  kept  two  on  hand,  so 
that  when  one  disappeared  the  other  could  show  "the  hand- 
writing on  the  wall"  while  they  hunted  for  the  lost  one. 
One  morning  their  board,  with  the  Sunday  school  temper- 
ance text  on  it,  was  found  nailed  to  the  saloon. 

The  battered  bulletin  board  was  brought  to  the  next 
county  meeting  draped  with  the  star-spangled  banner,  and 
was  received  with  quite  an  ovation. 

Along  with  the  recommendation  of  bulletin  boards  came 
the  hunt  for  temperance  artists.  At  a  very  enthusiastic 
county  convention  of  Linn  county  at  Brownsville  (1897)  a 
young  lady,  whose  name  was  not  recorded,  volunteered  her 
services,  and  placed  her  artistic  talent  at  their  disposal. 
Mrs.  Childs,  president  of  Brownsville  union,  had  her  paint 
a  telling  temperance  motto  on  the  side  of  her  barn,  where 
it  was  prominently  seen  from  the  public  highway.  An- 
other member  was  so  enthusiastic  over  this  new  method  of 
propaganda  she  proffered  the  entire  front  of  her  house  for 
the  purpose.  Our  fair  artist  hardly  thought  this  just  the 
thing,  so  painted  the  mottos  on  her  fence. 

It  may  be  well  to  give  here  in  a  detailed  form  the  changes 
of  the  official  board — the  general  officers: 

The  first  change  came  in  1884,  upon  the  resignation  of 
Mary  Cartwright,  recording  secretary.  She  was  succeeded 
by  Rebecca  M.  Robb,  then  of  East  Portland,  who  served 
till  189 1,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  every  one.  When  the 
memorial  page  of  that  year  was  read,  it  told  us  of  the  beloved 
husband  having  been  called  home  to  heaven.  Her  seat  at 
convention  was  vacant,  her  winsome  personality  greatly 
missed.    Mrs.  H.  J.  Shane,  her  assistant,  was  elected  as  her 

74 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

successor.  She  resigned  in  1892,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mrs. 
Helen  D.  Harford.  She  resigned  in  1905,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Sarah  M.  Kern,  who  has  served  continuously  since,  and 
has  endeared  herself  to  the  entire  rank  and  file. 

In  1886  Mrs.  M.  M.  Blain,  treasurer,  resigned.  Miss 
Elizabeth  Irvine  of  Albany  was  her  successor,  and  was 
justly  popular,  serving  till  1889,  when  she  resigned  and 
was  succeeded  by  Mrs.  Margaret  Bilyeu  of  Eugene,  who 
held  the  office  till  1892  in  a  most  efficient  manner.  She  re- 
signed and  was  succeeded  by  Mrs.  H.  J.  Shane,  who  com- 
mands a  unanimous  vote  year  after  year,  and  that  tells  the 
story  of  her  success. 

In  1888  Mrs.  Henrietta  Brown  succeeded  Mrs.  Belle 
Cook  as  corresponding  secretary,  and  her  record  in  this 
important  office  is  enviable.  She  served  till  1891,  when 
she  resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  Susan  E.  Foster,  who, 
although  a  new  woman  to  many  then,  soon  became  a  gen- 
eral favorite.  She  served  till  1898,  when  she  was  promoted 
to  first  vice-president.  Mrs.  Brown,  the  former  secretary, 
was  elected  in  her  place,  and  served  till  1899,  when  she  re- 
signed on  account  of  ill  health,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mrs. 
Lilian  Amos,  who  has  served  since  with  marked  acceptance. 

The  presidents  who  have  served  have  already  been 
noted. 

Oregon  has  been  very  fortunate  in  having  women  at  the 
helm  who  have  been  able  executives,  and  consecrated  Chris- 
tian women,  and  has  developed  many  platform  speakers,  of 
whom  they  may  be  justly  proud.  Four  from  Oregon's  ranks 
have  received  the  honor  of  the  position  of  national  organizer : 
Mesdames  Cox,  Harford,  Unruh  and  Additon,  while  our 
own  Louisa  Painter  Round  has  been  for  several  years  associ- 
ate superintendent  and  lecturer  of  the  national  department 
of  mercy,  and  well  deserves  the  honor. 

The  children  of  Oregon  have  had  due  share  in  this  work. 
Many  a  baby  band  was  sent  to  swell  the  "Temple"  fund. 

Next  came  the  dimes  sent  to  help  pay  for  the  little  bronze 
maiden— the  drinking  fountain  at  Chicago,  in  front  of  Wil- 

75 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

lard  Hall.    The  sweet,  bonnie  little  girl  holding  the  cup  of 
cold  water  for  the  thirsty  public. 

This  fountain,  planned  by  Anna  Gordon,  and  paid  for 
by  the  L.  T.  L.  children  of  the  world,  Oregon  among  the 
number.    Here  is  the  Oregon  L.  T.  L.  rally  cry : 

Rah!  Rah!  Rah!  Saloons  we  tell 
Get  out  of  the  way  of  the  L.  T.  L. 
Rah!  Rah!  Rah!  We're  marching  on, 
The    Loyal    Legions   of   Oregon. 

Then  came  the  L.  T.  L.  room  in  the  National  Temper- 
ance Hospital.  Different  parts  of  the  furnishing  was  al- 
lotted to  the  several  states.  Oregon's  part  was  a  knife  and 
spoon. 

Then  the  children  of  the  Sunday  school  with  their  chain 
of  red,  white  and  blue  cards,  which  form  a  part  of  the  dec- 
oration at  the  national  conventions. 

The  Astoria  L.  T.  L.  erected  at  their  own  expense  a 
drinking  fountain. 

To  give  a  glimpse  of  the  work  of  an  organizer  we  append 
a  statistical  report  of  this  year  ( 1900)  from  one  of  our  state 
organizers  as  found  in  the  Northwest  White  Ribboner : 

Unions    organized    7 

Ys  organized 5 

L.  T.  Ls.  organized :  2 

Counties   organized    2 

Anti-Cigarette  Leagues  2 

Institutes  held 5 

Day  sessions 10 

Evening  sessions 5 

Chautauqua  addresses  given 2 

Chautauqua  addresses  written 2 

Conferences  with  Ys 6 

Department  meetings  conducted 4 

Woman's  meetings 9 

Children  addressed  in  public  school 1500 

G.  A.  R.  Reunion  on  Woman's  Day  address 1 

At  the  home  of  unemployed  working  women 1 

76 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

City  Council  of  Dallas  visited  and  license  was  revoked 

for  holding  medal  contests 

Ministerial  Associations  visited  in  Portland 2 

In  Dallas   1 

Members  enlisted,  active 103 

Members,  honorary   19 

L.  T.  L 384 

Ys 70 

Honorary  Ys 10 

Testimony  total  abstinence  pledges 600 

Anti-cigarette    140 

Subscriptions  for  Union  Signal 50 

Lectures  given    79 

Sermons   21 

Mothers'  meetings   5 

Bible  readings 10 

Sunday  schools '. 3 

Arranged  ten  meetings  for  Lucy  Thurman,  per  re- 
quest of  former  lecture  bureau 

Visited  printing  offices . . . 11 

Personal  work  cannot  be  tabulated 

Miles   traveled    754 

Visits  to  jails 25 

Post  cards  written 100 

Letters  written    75 

Supplies  bought    $16.25 

Supplies  sold   1 1.25 

When  we  realize  that  this  is  only  one  field  worker's  re- 
port, and  that  there  were  five,  beside  the  faithful,  constant 
work  of  the  state  president,  we  may  perhaps  form  some  just 
estimate  of  the  amount  of  earnest  effort  put  forth  in  carry- 
ing out  the  state  motto: 

"Speak  to  the  children  of  Israel, 
That  they  go  forward." 


77 


The  Closing  Year. 


May  this  year  1900  mark  for  us  all  a  great  uplift  toward 
heavenly  things.  LILIAN  J.  AMOS. 

The  spring  of  1900  the  Portland  unions,  six  in  number, 
federated,  with  Anna  R.  Riggs  as  president  and  Mrs.  Jane 
Donaldson,  a  very  faithful,  efficient  officer  of  Albina,  as  sec- 
retary. 

The  Evening  Telegram,  the  great  evening  daily  of  Port- 
land, honored  the  organization  by  inviting  the  ex-president, 
Mrs.  Kinney,  and  your  humble  servant,  to  write  a  special 
lay  editorial.  This  paper  also  requested  photographs  and 
life  sketches  of  many  of  our  prominent  workers,  which  duly 
appeared  there  together  with  many  columns  of  temperance 
matter  gratuitously  granted  us,  which  was  greatly  appreci- 
ated, and  we  would  here  acknowledge  the  courtesy  and 
favors  with  our  sincere  thanks. 

The  press  work,  under  the  able  generalship  of  Louisa 
A.  Nash,  has  become  a  principal  factor  in  the  work.  The 
attitude  of  the  press  toward  the  work  has  grown  far  more 
favorable,  and  much  of  this  advance  is  due  to  the  persistent, 
untiring  and  tactful  efforts  of  Mrs.  Nash  with  her  local 
helpers. 

The  convention  of  1900,  the  closing  year  of  a  marvelous 
century,  called  advisedly  the  woman's  century,  was  held  in 
Moro,  Eastern  Oregon. 

The  few  facts  we  glean  come  from  the  White  Ribboner, 
no  minutes  being  printed. 

Hessie  J.  Shane,  the  faithful  watcher  over  the  treasury, 
Maggie  Eaton,  the  efficient  president  of  Sherman  county 
(of  which  Moro  is  the  county  seat),  and  Elizabeth  Hines, 
the  beloved  first  president,  were  made  life  members. 

Baker  and  Marion  counties  came  in  for  benefit  night. 
Baker  City  banner  local  union,  Marion  county  captured  the 
state  banner.     Mrs.  R._  M.  Steele  was  for  the  sixth  time 


* 


78 


MISS  MAGGIE  EATON, 
First  President  of  Sherman  County. 


MRS.  ALMIRA  E.  PALMER, 
First  Corresponding  Secretary  of  Baker  County. 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

elected  president,  and  they  closed  the  century  with  the  re- 
port, "best  convention  ever  held."  J.  G.  Woolley  was  with 
them  at  the  opening  consecration  meeting  and  struck  the 
keynote  for  the  splendid  meetings  to  follow. 

Jackson  county  held  its  sixth  annual  meeting  at  Med- 
ford.  Program  packed  full  of  good  things.  Mrs.  Harford 
with  them  as  inspirer. 

Albany  Willard  W.  C.  T.  U.  reported  two  most  unique 
meetings,  one  a  reception  to  the  new  babies.  This  might 
well  be  a  feature  of  the  "Cradle  Roll"  department.  The 
other  was  a  reception  to  the  grandmothers.  Mrs.  Pugh  was 
president  of  this  wideawake  union. 

Mrs.  L.  E.  Bailey,  national  organizer,  made  a  successful 
tour  of  the  state. 

School  savings  banks  reported  established  in  Salem,  Eu- 
gene and  Mt.  Tabor. 

As  many  locals  have  asked  for  some  little  form  in  receiv- 
ing new  members,  that  the  time  of  joining  may  be  made 
more  impressive,  we  append  the  following,  found  in  the 
May  number  of  the  Northwest  Ribboner  and  adopted  by 
some  of  the  unions : 

The  names  of  the  new  members  present  are  read  by  the 
secretary,  followed  by  the  reading  of  the  constitution,  after 
which  each  new  member  goes  to  the  secretary's  table  and 
signs  the  constitution,  and,  if  she  has  not  already  done  so, 
pays  her  dues.  She  thus  becomes  a  member.  The  new  mem- 
bers then  stand  before  the  president  and  secretary's  table, 
while  the  president  welcomes  them  in  a  few  well  chosen 
words,  closing  with  the  words,  "You  are  now  a  member  of 
the  largest  organization  of  women  in  the  world,  and  its  'do 
everything  policy'  provides  a  niche  for  every  lover  of  hu- 
manity to  work  for  God  and  Home  and  Native  Land."  The 
president  then  tying  on  the  white  ribbon,  says : 

"To  the  Ribbon  White  be  loyal, 

Bind  it  to  your  heart, 
For  in  our  peaceful  warfare 

It  must  ever  have  a  part. 
In   the   battle   we  are   waging 

For  our  God  and  right, 
Be  an  oriflamc  of  love 

This  bow  of  Ribbon  White." 

79 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

All  members  then  form  a  Unity  Circle  and  join  in  sing- 
ing "Blest  Be  the  Tie  That  Binds." 

Close  with  W.  C.  T.  U.  benediction. 

Our  numerous  red  letter  days  are  observed  for  the  most 
part  with  most  fitting  exercises.  Many  wonderful  meetings 
could  be  recorded  did  space  permit. 

It  would  take  a  volume  in  itself  (and  would  be  a  pre- 
cious addition  to  our  libraries)  to  tell  the  touching  inci- 
dents, the  thrilling  heart  stories  that  our  flower  missionaries 
could  give  us. 

One  comes  to  me  with  vivid  recollection.  The  Union 
had  given  the  annual  call  for  flowers  and  fruit  for  the 
special  work  of  June  9,  Jennie  Cassaday's  birthday.  Early 
in  the  morning  of  this  "Red  Letter  Day"  a  little  boy, 
some  nine  or  ten  years  of  age,  opened  the  door  of 
headquarters  and  asked  the  matron,  "Is  this  the  place  yer 
leave  something  good  for  fellers  that's  in  prison  and  sick, 
shut  up  away  from  the  outdoors?"  The  matron  assured 
him  it  was.  "Well,"  he  responded,  "I  got  some  berries  for 
you,"  and  going  out  to  a  farm  wagon  in  front  of  the  build- 
ing he  took  out  a  large  box  filled  with  strawberries  dripping 
with  the  dew  of  the  country  fields.  Setting  them  down,  the 
matron  asked  whom  she  should  tell  the  ladies  brought  them. 
His  answer  came  out  cheerily,  "Oh,  a  little  feller  they  don't 
know."  The  next  day's  daily  paper  thanked  the  "little 
feller"  they  did  not  know,  and  if  the  story  of  those  straw- 
berries could  all  be  told  it  would  show  the  power  of  a  little 
kindness  and  a  little  scripture,  put  together  with  the  per- 
sonal touch.    It  brought  one  brother  back  to  God. 

In  1884,  when  the  national  society  first  organized  a 
Board  of  Superintendents,  Esther  Housh,  then  known  as 
our  Queen  Esther,  as  secretary  of  the  board,  wrote,  at  the 
first  meeting,  as  follows : 

"When  dear  Jennie  Smith  said,  'Dear  ones,  I  want  you 
to  help  me  plan  out  a  society  for  the  newsboys/  we  realized, 
like  a  flash,  that  the  missing  link  of  our  work  was  this  very 
counseling  together." 

This  was  the  feeling  that  prompted  the  formation  of  a 

80 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

"Board  of  Superintendents,"  in  1896.  In  1900  we  find  in 
October  number  of  Northwest  White  Ribboner  an  open  let- 
ter to  the  members  of  this  board  containing,  we  believe, 
some  valuable  thoughts  in  the  building  up  of  the  organiza- 
tion parts  of  the  body,  all  working  for  the  general  good. 
It  further  says: 

Where  labors  intersperse,  there  we  should  be  ready  to  co- 
operate. 

The  neglected  points  discussed,  how  by  correlated  effort 
these  may  be   effectually  worked. 

Some  departments  seem  to  belong  to  all — like  Literature, 
the  feeder;  Press,  the  promulgator.  Co-operation  should  be  our 
watchword.     We,  us  and  you,  not  me  and  mine. 

This  is  the  gospel  given  as  "in  the  beginning." 

It  is  my  opinion  that  one  evening  of  each  annual  meeting 
should  be  in  the  hands  of  our  board. 

Let  us  clasp   hands  that   we  may  make  a   circle   complete. 

"God    wills    that    in  a   ring 

His   blessings    shall    be    sent 
From  living  thing,  to  living  thing. 
And  nowhere  stayed  or  spent, 
And  he  that  takes  and  gives  not  back  again 
Is  so,  a  link  that  breaks  in  heaven's  love-made  chain." 

In  1900  the  "Board  of  Superintendents"  was  dropped, 
we  do  not  know  why. 

In  1900  we  note  that  Klamath  Falls,  one  of  our  outposts, 
is  in  line  doing  good  work,  with  Mrs.  Hattie  Wilson  as 
president. 

Grant's  Pass,  the  only  Union  in  Josephine  county,  Mrs. 
Esther  Terrill,  president,  although  missing  the  annual  inspir- 
ation coming  from  association  with  other  groups  of  workers 
in  the  county,  yet  never  fails  of  sending  in  good  reports, 
showing  a  steady  growth  and  progress. 

RECAPITULATION. 

State  conventions  have  been  held : 

Portland  1883 

Albany    1884 

East  Portland   1885 

Corvallis 1886 

81 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

The  Dalles    1887 

Eugene  City    1888 

Salem    1889 

Portland  1890 

Portland  . . 1891 

Pendleton  1892 

Astoria   1893 

Salem    1894 

Roseburg   1895 

Newberg 1896 

Albany    1897 

Eugene  1898 

Portland  1899 

Moro  1900 

Dates  of  organization  of  some  of  the  earliest  local 
unions : 

1881. 

Portland,  March  22 — Rebecca  Clawson,  President. 

Albany,  April  7 — Mrs.  M.  J.  Townsend,  President. 
1882. 

Salem,  February  17 — Mrs.  M.  A.  Royal,  President. 

Corvallis,  September  3 — Mrs.  Nora  G.  Williams,  Pres- 
ident. 

These  four  pioneer  unions  have  never  lowered  their 
banner  through  storm  or  sunshine. 

1883. 

East  Portland,  March  27 — Mrs.  E.  Johnson,  President. 

Forest  Grove,  July  20 — Mrs.  E.  H.  Marsh,  President. 

Monmouth,  October — Miss  Butler,  President. 

McMinnville,  July  29 — Mrs.  O.  E.  Payne,  first  delegate 
to  State  Convention ;  President's  name  not  given.  In  1886 
Mrs.  Felner  was  President. 

Independence — Mrs.  Lucy  Whiteaker,  President. 

Dayton,  April — Mrs.  Edwards,  President. 

Eugene — Mrs.  C.  J.  Condon,  President. 

The  Dalles — Mrs.  Salsbury,  first  delegate  sent  to  con- 
vention. Mrs.  Esther  French  was  one  of  the  early  Presi- 
dents. 

82 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

Roseburg — Mrs.  Smick  was  probably  first  President. 
1884. 

Philomath,  November  24 — Mrs.  Addie  D.  Miller,  Pres- 
ident. 

Albina — Mrs.  Ross,  President. 

Lafayette,  Union,  Weston,  Sheridan,  John  Day  City,  re- 
ported organized ;  no  names  given. 

Jacksonville — Mrs.  Judge  Day,  President. 

Oakland,  March  16 — Fannie  Bloomfield,  President. 

Amity — Mrs.  McKune  at  the  helm. 

Ashland,  April  27 — Mrs.  Ann  H.  Russell,  President. 

Baker  City,  May   19 — Mrs.  R.  Palmer,  Corresponding 
Secretary. 

Astoria,  February  5 — Mrs.  W.  W.  Parker,  President. 

Hillsboro,  August  20 — Mary  Duncan,  President. 

Newberg,    February    10 — Mrs.     Amanda     Woodward, 
President. 

Halsey,  March  5 — Elizabeth  V.  Wilson,  President. 

Dallas— Mrs.  J.  L.  Biddle,  President. 

La  Grande — Mrs.  A.  W.  Wallace,  President. 

Scio,  April  16 — Mrs.  A.  H.  Epley,  President. 

Oregon  City,  September  12 — Mary  L.  Driggs,  President. 

Pendleton,  Mav  13 — Mrs.  A.  M.  Raley,  President. 
1885. 

Myrtle  Creek,  April   17 — Wilbur    J.  C.  Gittens,  Presi- 
dent. 

Yaquina  Bay,  April — Mrs.  Col.  VanCleave,  President. 
1886. 

Oakville,  June  30 — Mrs.  J.  B.  McCoy,  President. 

Stayton,  February — Mrs.  M.  T.  Cole,  President. 

Milton,  (in  the  Spring) — Mrs.  E.  G.  Phelps,  President. 

Moro,  July  18—  Mrs.  L.  A.  P.  White,  President. 

Newport,  April  1 — Mrs.  Ella  Morris,  President. 

Silverton,  May  24 — Mrs.  Ellen  Robbins,  President. 

Brownsville,  November  12 — Mrs.  M.  A.  Starr,  Presi- 
dent. 

1887. 

New  Era — Mrs.  Carrie  Johnson,  President. 

83 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Oswego — Celenda  Shipley,  President. 

Beaverton — Mrs.  Z.  F.  Wilmot,  President. 

Echo,  December  10 — Mrs.  Emma  Stansbury,  President. 

Pleasant  Hill — Melinda  Seeley,  President. 
1888. 

Wasco,  November — Mrs.  M.  V.  Marks,  President. 

Medford,  August — Mrs.  Anna  Hammond,  Correspond- 
ing Secretary,  whose  motto  was,  "Never  give  up  the  ship,*' 
and  when  everyone  faltered  she  held  the  fort  alone,  and  is 
today  an  active  officer,  and  has  been  all  these  years. 

As  there  was  no  systematic  directory  kept  until  1887. 
and  as  Unions  did  not  have  officers'  names  recorded  very 
carefully,  it  has  been  difficult  to  trace  these  beginnings. 

Some  of  the  Unions  have  had  seasons  of  depression, 
some  have  lapsed  for  a  time,  to  be  reorganized  again,  and 
enter  the  work  with  renewed  vigor.  Yet  these  figures  as 
given  are  as  accurate  as  could  be  obtained  of  the  first  local 
organizations. 

The  work  among  young  women  for  seven  years  flour- 
ished grandly  under  the  leadership  of  Henrietta  Brown. 

Then  Rose  Trumbull,  our  "white  rose,"  we  called  her, 
rose  like  a  star  of  promise  in  the  Y's  firmament,  only  to  be 
like  a  brilliant  meteor,  and  vanish  all  too  soon.  Then  again, 
a  young  woman,  fresh  from  the  inspiration  of  the  magic 
words  of  Frances  Willard,  heard  in  the  Young  Woman's 
College,  Baltimore,  came  home  to  Portland  with  her  grad- 
uating laurels  upon  her,  and  took  up  the  work, — Miss  Effie 
Bennet,  and  as  the  old  century  wanes,  she  is  sending  out  her 
bright  note  to  the  young  men  and  women  of  Oregon. 

"That  our  daughters  may  be  as  corner  stones  polished  after 
the  similitude  of  a  palace." 

Lillian  Whiting  in  an  admirable  paper  on  "Journalistic 
Outlook,"  says : 

"To  read  the  daily  newspaper  is  to  have  an  admission 
ticket  to  the  entire  panorama  of  the  world ;  and  the  end  of 
literature  is  not  a  book,  but  a  life."  Again  she  says :  "If 
press  work  is  anything  it  is  vital,  and  the  successful  con- 

84 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

ductor  of  it  must  be  alive,  and  feel  alive  to  her  finger  tips, 
and  keep  in  the  current  of  affairs." 

This  has  been  the  underlying-  thought  in  the  depart- 
ments of  literature  and  press.  The  Union  was  most  foT- 
tunate  in  securing  so  able  a  "conductor"  of  this  line  in 
Louisa  A.  Nash,  she  has  proven  herself  a  most  successful 
leader.  A  pen  woman  of  ability  herself,  she  inspired  others 
to  do  their  best.  In  one  of  her  annual  reports,  she  men- 
tions the  work  of  Sarah  I.  Lyman,  Multnomah  County 
Press  Superintendent,  as  having  done  especially  meritorious 
work. 

Doubtless  many  others  have  also  been  most  efficient.  Sure  it 
is  that  the  influence  the  press  exerts  on  the  lives  of  the  Ameri- 
can people  is  simply  incalculable,  and  the  pen  women  in  our 
local  unions  may  not  have  left  behind  them  what  men  call 
fame  but  this  is  of  little  consequence,  if  only  they  have  set 
in  motion  new  thoughts  leading  up  to  a  higher  standard 
of  life,  trending  toward  the  divine  life  to  which  humanity 
is  tending. 

"To  write  some  earnest  verse  or  line, 

Which,  seeking  not  the  praise  of  art, 

Shall  make  a  clearer  faith  and  manhood  shine 

In  the  untutored  heart, 

She  who  doth  this  in  verse  or  prose 

May  be  forgotten  in  her  day, 

But  surely  shall  be  crowned  at  last  with  those 

Who  live  and  speak  for  aye." 

The  aim  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  press  department  has  al- 
ways been :  "To  keep  the  prow  turned  toward  the  good." 

By  dint  of  sobriety,  frugality  and  the  unflagging  industry, 
women  are  making  themselves  a  recognized  power  in  the 
industrial  world.  So  true  is  this  that  labor  organizations 
are  giving  them  equal  recognition  with  men. 

The  work  of  the  department  on  "The  Relation  of 
Temperance  to  Labor"  has  been  an  educative  one,  and  the 
arrest  of  thought  manifestly  productive  of  much  good.  The 
State  Superintendent  has  been  for  years  connected  with  the 
National  Department,  and  the  circular  letter  of  recom- 
mendation as  formulated  and  sent  out  by  her  in  '87,  was 

8S 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

•endorsed  by  the  National  Superintendent,  and  heartily  com- 
mended in  a  personal  letter  by  Miss  Willard.  The  State 
Superintendent,  acting  as  Secretary  of  the  National  De- 
partment the  following  year,  had  printed  and  sent  out 
under  the  instruction  of  National  Superintendent,  the  rec- 
ommendations mentioned  above. 

The  press  articles  emanating  from  this  department,  we 
believe  have  been  a  potent  force  in  bringing  about  a  better 
understanding  of  the  correlation  of  the  two  reforms,  labor 
and   temperance;   mutualism   and   co-operation   being  key 

"Arbitration  is  mounting  the  vacant  throne  of  peace" 
and  the  universal  principle  that  injury  to  one  is  injury  to 
all  is  becoming  not  only  an  accepted,  but  a  realized  fact. 

The  peace  department  so  long  under  the  fostering  care 
of  Mrs.  Miles,  and  now  with  Mrs.  Round  as  leader,  is  doing 
much  to  bring  in  the  time  of  "Peace  on  earth,  good  will  to 
men." 


'SAVE  OUR  WOMANHOOD  AND  THUS  SAVE  OUR 
BOYS." 


Save  the  girls!    Ah,  mother,  is  it  not  for  thee 

To  fashion  that  which  shall  tell  to  all  eternity; 

When  hid  within  thine  heart  there  is  the  thought 

Erstwhile,  in  the  plentitude  of  God's  love  there's  brought 

A  living,  thinking  soul,  a  fashioning  of  clay, 

To  hinder  or  to  help  the  world  in  God's  own  way. 

In  this  the  new-found  pleasure  of  thy  life  the  modeling  begin 

And  let  the  good,  the  beautiful  of  earth,  the  joyous,  enter  in, 

Then  will  thy  arms  receive,  thy  hands  caress 

That  which  will  repay  thy  utmost  tenderness, 

And  as  we  thus  lift,  woman  to  a  higher,  nobler  plane 

We  have  the  consciousness  of  this  much  gain — 

We've  found  the  secret  that  will  save  our  girls, 

And   with   that   secret   is   the    golden    key 

That  unfolds  to  our  quick  vision  the  great  mystery 

That   has  clouded  with   its   darkness  many  Joys — 

In  saving  womanhood,  we  more  surely  save  our  boys. 

NELLIE  S.  KEASEY. 


86 


MRS.  D.  E.  HYDE, 
First  President  of  Jackson  County. 


.MRS.  LOUISE  PAINTER  ROUND, 
First  Superintendent  of  Mercy. 


Biographical 


Mrs.  Rebecca  Clawson,  who  organized  the  first  Local 
Union  of  Oregon. 

Mrs.  Rebecca  Clawson  was  born  in  Clinton  County, 
Ohio,  in  1813.  Passed  to  lif eland  in  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  Oc- 
tober 1,  1883. 

Her  life  was  an  illuminated  record  of  loving  service  to 
God  and  man.  As  minister  of  the  gospel  in  the  Friends' 
Church  she  was  especially  drawn  to  the  "sick  and  in 
prison,"  and  verily  she  visited  them  far  and  near. 

Elisabeth  A.  P.  White,  was  born  in  Richmond,  Ind. 
Her  early  years  were  lovingly  protected  by  religious  en- 
vironment in  the  home.  Educated  in  the  "Friends'  Board- 
ing School,"  now  "Earlham  College." 

Imbibed  rigorous  temperance  views  from  her  parents, 
and  when  at  21  she  joined  in  wedlock  with  Nathan  White, 
she  had  no  alcoholic  drink  in  her  home.  Always  active  in 
church  work  and  in  Good  Templary  before  the  crusade. 
Was  an  ardent  White  Ribboner  from  the  first.  Chosen  by 
Miss  Willard,  as  Representative  of  Oregon  in  the  National 
W.  C.  T.  U.,  as  Vice-President. 

She  has  served  in  many  official  positions  in  local,  county, 
and  state,  both  in  Eastern  and  Central  Oregon. 

Anna  Rankin  Riggs,  born  at  Cyntheana,  Kentucky ; 
moved  to  Illinois  when  only  two  years  old.  Eldest  of  a 
large  family,  self-reliance  and  energy  were  early  developed. 
Mrs.  Riggs  had  won  many  honors  in  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  ranks 
prior  to  her  coming  to  Portland  in  1882. 

Was  active  worker  in  Bloomington,  111.  Was  one  of 
early  board  of  managers  of  the  Union  Signal  and  helped  ma- 
terially to  lift  it  out  of  financial  depression. 

Was  first  President  of  the  First  District  of  Oregon,  and 

87 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

second  President  of  the  state,  succeeding    Mrs.    Hines    in 
1886.    Is  at  present  Honorary  President  of  Oregon. 

The  fine  record  made  by  Mrs.  Riggs  as  leader  of  Ore- 
gon's forces  for  so  many  years  is  set  forth  elsewhere  in  this 
history. 

Mrs.  Helen  D.  Harford,  present  President  of  Oregon. 

Helen  Dickinson  Harford  was  born  in  the  town  of  Con- 
stantia,  Oswego  County,  New  York,  July  31,  1843.  She 
was  educated  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  her  day.  At 
the  age  of  sixteen  she  began  her  career  as  a  teacher.  In 
1864  she  was  graduated  with  honors  from  the  State  Nor- 
mal College  of  Albany,  N.  Y.  She  followed  teaching  in  her 
native  state,  in  Illinois,  at  the  Bloomington  High  School, 
in  Kansas  and  in  Kansas  City,  Missouri. 

In  1887  left  the  school  room  for  the  field  work  of  the 
W.  C.  T.  U.  Has  successfully  filled  position  of  State  Or- 
ganizer, National  Organizer  and  now  State  President  of 
Oregon. 

Mrs.  Harford  as  Miss  Dickinson  was  married  in  1872  to 
Mr.  Alden  M.  Chamberlain,  and  after  his  death  she  entered 
the  school  room  and  thus  provided  for  the  needs  and  edu- 
cation of  her  three  sons  and  one  daughter.  In  1881  Mrs. 
Chamberlain  became  the  wife  of  Rev.  F.  L.  Harford. 

Her  husband  and  children  have  been  thoroughly  in 
sympathy  with  her  in  all  her  work. 

Her  genial  temperament  and  her  marked  ability  as  leader 
have  won  for  her  a  warm  place  in  the  hearts  of  her  con- 
stituency. 

Mrs.  Mary  M.  Blain,  First  President  of  Linn  County, 
First  Treasurer  of  State,  was  born  in  Iowa,  crossed  the 
plains  in  1852.  First  knowledge  of  temperance  reform 
taught  her  by  her  father,  Dr.  Miller,  a  strong  temperance 
advocate,  a  member  of  the  old  Washingtonians.  Mrs. 
Blain  began  W.  C.  T.  U.  work  in  1881,  helped  Mother 
Clawson  organize  the  Albany  Union.  A  devoted  Christian 
worker  in  the  church  of  her  choice.  A  veteran  Christian 
worker,  whose  influence  will  never  die.    Has  held  positions 

88 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

of  trust  in  local,  county,  and  state,  all  to  her  credit  and  the 
permanent  good  of  the  work. 

Henrietta  Brown,  First  Y.  Secretary.  Born  in  the  old 
Hawkeye  State  (Iowa)  ;  crossed  the  plains  in  a  prairie 
schooner  in  1865.  Spent  two  years  in  Portland,  then  re- 
moving to  Albany.  Her  first  work  for  temperance  was  in 
the  Good  Templars'  Lodge.  Her  real  arrest  of  thought 
came  (as  she  states)  when  Miss  Willard  visited  Ore- 
gon, baptizing  her  with  her  angelic  smile,  and  pinned  upon 
her  the  white  ribbon  bow.  She  has  since  then  given  her 
best  efforts  to  the  W.  C.  T.  U.,  and  this  has  meant  much 
every  way  for  Oregon. 

Mrs.  Inez  Parker,  of  Astoria,  an  early  legislative  woman 
and  the  first  representative  from  Clatsop  County,  was  one  of 
our  most  untiring  pioneer  workers,  she  helped  lay  the 
foundation  stones  of  the  work  at  Astoria.  Earnest,  capable, 
enthusiastic,  her  work  still  goes  on  although  she  is  not  now 
with  us. 

Mrs.  Nora  Goltra  Williams,  the  faithful  State  Superin- 
tendent of  Sunday  School  Work  during  these  twenty  event- 
ful years,  was  a  native  of  Illinois,  was  quietly  pursuing  her 
life  of  Christian  living,  when  Mrs.  Hines  came  to  Corvallis, 
organized  a  W.  C.  T.  U.  and  Mrs.  Williams  was  chosen  as 
leader  in  1882 ;  then  came  the  "arrest  of  thought,"  deepened, 
intensified  during  the  visit  of  Miss  Willard,  growing  into  a 
power  for  good,  through  earnest  study,  and  an  ardent  de- 
sire to  help  hold  the  banner  of  righteous  living  aloft.  Mr. 
Williams,  a  staunch  prohibitionist,  ever  ready  to  co-operate 
with  her  in  all  her  work.  The  children  follow  her  foot- 
steps. 

Mrs.  R.  M.  Steele,  Recording  Secretary  from  1885  to 
1891. 

Miss  Rebekah  Parrish,  daughter  of  Rev.  Edward  Par- 
rish,  whose  home  at  Parrish  Gap,  was  a  beacon  light  of 
hospitality  to  the  early  pioneers  of  Oregon,  came  into  the 

89 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

work  at  the  beginning.  As  Mrs.  R.  M.  Robb,  of  East  Port- 
land, she  was  elected  Second  Recording  Secretary  of  the 
state.  Her  work  as  a  prominent  leader  in  East  Portland, 
and  in  later  years  as  President  of  Marion  County,  stands 
upon  our  annals  as  a  grand  record  of  a  noble  woman. 

Mrs.  Ann  Hazeltine  Hill  Russell  has  a  history  we  can- 
not put  in  this  brief  sketch ;  born  in  Tennessee,  emigrating 
to  Oregon  when  a  young  girl ;  married  to  Mr.  Russell  at  14 ; 
reared  and  helped  to  educate  a  family  of  eleven  children; 
learning  the  marble  cutter's  trade  of  her  husband,  and 
when  he  became  crippled,  successfully  carried  on  the  busi- 
ness ;  and  now  at  the  ripe  age  of  64  years,  is  an  honored 
and  successful  business  woman.  And  best  of  all,  always 
holding  the  temperance  banner  aloft.  Her  home  has  ever 
been  a  center  of  prohibition  sentiment,  and  she  was  natu- 
rally the  first  woman  to  come  into  prominence  as  a  leader 
of  White  Ribbon  forces  for  Southern  Oregon. 

Her  temperance  exploits  would  fill  a  volume.  Her  pic- 
ture shows  her  carving  the  white  ribbon  bow,  that  formed  a 
conspicuous  part  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  exhibit  in  Chicago  at 
the  World's  Fair,  and  was  afterwards  sent  "to  testify  in 
Miss  Willard's  memorial  room."  A  duplicate  rests  on  Mrs. 
Russell's  parlor  table,  as  she  says  "to  testify  for  the  politics 
of  the  house."  (An  interesting  sketch  of  her  life  has  been 
written  and  will  appear  in  book  form,  with  some  other 
noted  pioneer  women,  some  day.) 

Mrs.  Almira  E.  Palmer,  first  Corresponding  Secretary 
from  Baker. 

In  1884,  when  Mary  C.  Leavitt  organized  in  the  ex- 
treme Eastern  section — Baker  City — Mrs.  Palmer  donned 
the  white  ribbon  and  was  elected  Secretary,  when  the  or- 
ganization lapsed,  Mrs.  Palmer  "staid  by"  till  it  was  re- 
organized years  later,  paid  her  dues  regularly  at  head- 
quarters and  took  the  Union  Signal.  The  present  President, 
Mrs.  Carter,  says  of  her:  "She  is  our  main  spring  of  in- 
spiration in  times  of  depression." 

90 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

Mrs.  Lucy  Whiteaker,  first  President  of  Polk  County, 
Superintendent  of  L.  T.  L.  in  1885. 

Mrs.  Whiteaker  came  into  the  work  through  the  path 
of  fiery  experience.  It  is  a  thrilling  tale.  Born  in  Indiana, 
her  father  going  to  California  in  '49  to  allay  the  gold  fever. 
Fatherless  at  six,  her  mother  marrying  again  to  an  old 
soldier  and  school  teacher  of  "fine  face  and  figure,"  but 
striking  terror  to  their  hearts  by  his  drunken  habits, 
threatening  to  kill  them  all ;  it  is  the  old  sad  story.  The 
mother  forgiving  repeatedly  his  terrible  actions,  only  to  end 
in  final  enforced  separation,  as  fear  of  her  life  and  ex- 
hausted patience  was  all  that  was  left. 

Mrs.  Whiteaker  writes :  "Seeing  these  sights  when  a 
child  made  a  deep  impression  on  my  mind  of  the  awful  sin 
of  intemperance,  and  I  have  joined  every  temperance  so- 
ciety that  came  along  my  way,  and  have  done  all  I  could  to 
encourage  the  work  of  temperance."  And  so  she  has.  She 
has  well  earned  the  position  as  one  of  our  "Old  Reliables,"" 
and  can  be  counted  on  as  long  as  she  lives. 

Closely  connected  with  Polk  County  history  is  the  name 
of  Helen  A.  Adkins,  who  succeeded  Mrs.  Whiteaker  as 
County  President.  We  sincerely  regret  not  having  Mrs. 
Adkin's  picture,  for  we  have  no  more  faithful,  earnest,  con- 
secrated worker  than  herself. 

She  is  filled  with  the  old  Spartan  courage,  and  has  held 
on  in  spite  of  discouragements  that  would  have  daunted 
many  an  old  tried  soldier.  She  has  been  ably  assisted  by 
her  daughter-in-law,  Mrs.  Laura  Adkins. 

The  present  President  of  Polk  County  is  Mrs.  Chloe  L. 
Butz,  a  younger  woman  and  one  whom  we  believe  will  prove 
a  strong  leader. 

Mrs.  C.  J.  Condon,  First  President  of  Lane  County,  was 
for  many  years  a  prominent  factor  in  our  work.  A  lady  of 
great  refinement  and  culture.  Reserved  and  unassuming, 
yet  with  a  depth  of  character  and  height  of  lofty  purpose 
which  was  felt  in  the    temperance    circles,    not    only    in 

91 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Eugene,  and  Lane  county,  but  in  the  state. 

She  passed  on  to  lifeland,  but  left  an  influence  behind 
unperishable. 

Her  delightful  home  was  always  open  to  our  workers. 

Mrs.  M.  A.  Royal,  First  President  of  First  District,  has 
been  one  of  our  faithful  seed-sowers  in  uncultivated  fields. 
Was  First  President  of  Salem  Union,  and  has  been  in- 
strumental in  building  up  new  unions  in  many  places,  where, 
as  the  wife  of  Rev.  T.  J.  Royal,  one  of  the  pioneer  temper- 
ance workers,  she  has  held  a  strong  place  in  the  hearts  of 
the  people.  Many  a  union  dates  its  birth,  and  also  its  con- 
tinued inspiration  from  Mother  Royal. 

Mrs.  E.  D.  Thomas,  standard  bearer  and  President  of 
Washington  County. 

For  years  dear  "Mother  Thomas,"  as  we  love  to  call  her, 
has  been  a  familiar  figure  and  valuable  factor  in  all  our 
state  conclaves,  coming  from  sturdy  Puritan  stock,  born  in 
the  old  Granite  State  (New  Hampshire),  her  first  lessons 
in  temperance  were  learned  when  a  child  of  tender  years. 
She  helped  circulate  the  pledge  at  "neighborhood  temper- 
ance meetings"  led  by  her  father;  this  was  prior  to  the 
Washingtonian  movement.  Thus  early  came  the  "arrest  of 
thought"  which  was  stirred  into  deeper  consecrated  effort 
during  Miss  Willard's  memorable  visit  to  this  state  in  1883. 
She  then  donned  the  white  ribbon,  not  to  be  taken  off  so  long 
as  life  was  given  her.  She  writes,  "this  simple  badge  is  a 
symbol  and  a  sign  that  grows  dearer  and  fuller  of  meaning 
to  me  as  I  study  its  methods,  its  aims  and  its  far-reaching 
influence.  It  has  been  my  spiritual  helper,  and  as  I  find  my- 
self coming  nearer  and  still  nearer  to  life's  sunset  shore, 
the  sweet  and  tender  memories  of  my  association  with  the 
White  Ribbon  Sisters  in  Oregon,  comes  to  me  as  a  benedic- 
tion. God  bless  them  now,  and  may  his  blessing  still  be 
on  them  when  I  shall  have  joined  those  who  have  already 
passed  on  before.  In  the  growing  weariness  of  age,  (75 
years),  I  am  now  resting  in  calm  content  for  whatever  may 
come  to  me." 

92 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

"And  so  I  sit  beside  the  silent  sea 

And  wait  the  muffled  oar, 
No  harm  can  come  from  Him  to  me, 
On  ocean,  or  on  shore. 

I  know  not  where  his  islands  lift 

Their  fronded  palms  in  air, 
I  only  know  I  cannot  drift 

Beyond  his  love  and  care." 

Mrs.  D.  E.  Hyde,  of  Ashland,  first  President  of  Jackson 
County. 

Mrs.  Hyde  came  to  Oregon  a  veteran  worker  in  the  W. 
C.  T.  U.,  having  served  as  Treasurer  and  as  Corresponding 
Secretary  in  Dakota  before  that  state  was  divided,  and  when 
Helen  Barker  was  President.  She  first  became  interested  in 
temperance  and  W.  C.  T.  U.  work,  24  years  ago  in  Mason 
City,  Iowa,  through  witnessing  the  suffering  and  grief  of  a 
very  dear  friend,  whose  husband  sank  to  the  lowest  depths 
of  degradation  through  drink.  She  then  resolved  "that  she 
would  fight  till  her  dying  day,  this  curse  of  strong  drink." 
She  kept  her  resolution  by  joining  at  once  the  W.  C.  T.  U. 
as  the  best  means  to  carry  it  out,  and  she  testifies  now  that 
not  for  a  day  has  her  faith  wavered  nor  her  efforts  slack- 
ened. 

As  leader  of  Jackson  County  she  has  shown  marked 
ability  as  an  executive  and  as  a  woman  of  good  judgment 
in  business  affairs. 

Mrs.  Priscilla  Wilson,  President  of  Benton  County,  is 
a  woman  of  bright  attainments,  sterling  character  and  wide 
influence  in  the  community.  Many  of  the  old  workers  in 
Corvailis  have  moved  away,  but  Mrs.  Sarah  Cauthorne, 
Mrs.  Woodard  and  Mrs.  Herbert  still  remain  of  the  first 
volunteers. 

Mrs.  Madge  Mears,  present  President  of  Linn  County. 

Mrs.  Madge  Mears,  still  another  of  our  younger  leaders, 
but  has  proved  herself  very  efficient.    Her  birth  place  was 

93 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Ohio,  and  her  arrest  of  thought  on  temperance  came  while 
at  college  at  New  Concord  in  1887  and  !888  but  had  no 
opportunity  to  join  the  White  Ribbon  ranks  until  she  moved 
to  Shedd,  Oregon,  where  she  was  soon  drafted  into  active 
service.  She  served  as  local  President  for  years.  As  Miss 
McGlade  she  married  Mr.  J.  H.  Mears,  of  Muskingum 
County,  Ohio,  who  is  one  of  our  most  loyal  and  zealous 
prohibitionists,  and  at  all  times  stands  ready  to  help  advance 
the  cause,  and  is,  by  his  energy  and  good  will,  a  great  help 
to  Mrs.  Mears  in  keeping  the  work  well  in  the  fore  in 
Linn  County. 

Mrs.  Ida  Marsters,  present  President  of  Douglas  County. 

Mrs.  Ida  Marsters  is  one  of  our  younger  Vice-Presidents 
but  she  has  become  a  strong  factor  for  progress  in  her  sec- 
tion of  the  state.  A  native  of  Illinois,  coming  to  Oregon 
in  1883,  married  A.  C.  Marsters  in  1887,  entered  the  W.  C. 
.T  U.  work  in  1896.  The  early  work  in  this  county  had 
gone  down  but  was  reorganized  with  Mrs.  Jewett,  of  Gardi- 
ner, as  President  and  Mrs.  Marsters  as  Secretary.  Mrs. 
Marsters  has  been  an  active  official  continuously  since,  and 
her  county  is  well  in  the  fore  front. 

The  following  couplet  received  from  Mrs'.  Marsters 
explains  clearly  the  power  enabling  her  to  go  on  and  on : 

"The  little  sharp  vexations, 

And  the  briers  that  catch  and  fret, 
Why  not  take  all  to  the  Helper 

Who  has  never  failed  us  yet? 
Tell  Him  about  the  heart-ache, 

And  tell  him  the  longings,  too; 
Tell  him  the  baffled  purpose, 

When  we  scarce  know  what  to  do, 
Then,  leaving  all  our  weakness 

With  the  One  divinely  strong, 
Forget  that  we  bore  the  burden, 

And  carry  away  the  song." 

Mrs.  Ida  Courtney,  present  President  of  Yamhill  County. 
Mrs.  Ida  Courtney,  another  of  our  younger  Vice-Presi- 
dents  (whose  picture  failed  to  reach  us),  is    one    of    our 

94 


MRS.  IDA  MARSTERS, 
I 'resident  of  Douglas  County. 


MRS.  ADA  WALLACE  UNRUH, 
First  Secretary  L.  T.  L.  Branch. 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

bright,  stirring  leaders,  and  under  her  fine  leadership  old 
Yamhill  will  hold  her  place  as  one  of  our  best  organized 
counties. 

Mrs.  Louise  Painter  Round,  State  Evangelist,  first  and 
only  State  Superintendent  of  Mercy,  Associate  Superintend- 
ent and  Lecturer  of  National  Mercy  Department. 

Mrs.  Louise  Painter  Round — Her  ancestors  were  among 
the  "F.  F.  V.'s"  Grandfather  Painter  moving  from  Vir- 
ginia and  settling  in  Ohio  when  it  was  a  frontier  state,  and 
was  the  first  white  settler  in  that  part  of  the  state.  Born  in 
Painterville,  Ohio,  educated  in  Iowa  and  Indiana.  For 
years  following  the  profession  of  teaching.  Married  to  Rev. 
Round,  a  southern  man  of  northern  parentage. 

Mrs.  Round  was  most  successful  as  Evangelist  in  the 
southern  fields,  and  was  ,  as  far  as  is  known,  the  first  woman 
that  ever  spoke  in  public  in  Salisbury,  N.  C,  her  work  there 
antedating  Miss  Willard's  famous  trip.  Received  recog- 
nition as  a  minister  of  Christ  (Friends'  Church,  some  25 
years  ago).  Joined  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  in  1885,  although  she 
lived  40  miles  from  the  place  of  meeting,  it  was  her  first  op- 
portunity. 

Had  arrest  of  thought  on  temperance  question  when  very 
young;  taught  it  and  preached  it.  She  could  give  many 
thrilling  incidents  showing  the  marvelous  results  of  her 
evangelistic  labors.  In  this  state  is  tne  leader  of  Mercy 
Department  in  which  she  has  made  an  enviable  record ;  has 
also  served  as  State  Organizer  and  State  Evangelist,  which 
offices  she  is  filling  at  time  of  writing. 

Frances  Eleanor  Gotshall,  first  Financial  Manager  and 
Associate  Editor  of  Oregon  White  Ribbon,  present  Presi- 
dent of  Multnomah  County. 

Another  accession  to  Oregon's  forces  from  Illinois.  The 
only  woman  in  Oregon  (so  far  as  we  know)  at  the  head  of 
a  printing  company  in  Portland,  and  the  work  of  her  pub- 
lishing house  is  second  to  none  in  the  city.  Few  women  to- 
day are  held  in  higher  esteem  in  the  business  world. 

Possessed  of  a  firm,  yet    gentle    dignity,    with    a    well- 

95 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

poised,  rounded  out  Christian  character,  that  no  contact  with 
the  rough  side  of  the  outer  world  can  destroy.  She  has 
fully  demonstrated  that  a  woman  can  be  a  part  of  the  great 
business  world  and  not  lose  any  of  her  sweet  womanliness. 

Miss  Gotshall  has  for  years  been  identified  with  the 
temperance  cause,  her  father,  mother,  aunts,  yes  and  grand- 
mother, all  White  Ribboners. 

She  has  held  many  important  positions  in  the  W.  C. 
T.  U. 

Mrs.  Sarah  Margaret  Kern,  present  State  Recording  Sec- 
retary, was  born  in  Kentucky,  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Clinton 
Kelly,  of  pioneer  fame;  crossed  tfie  plains  in  1848  by  ox- 
team.  In  1861  she  married  J.  W.  Kern,  and  two  sons  and 
seven  daughters  blessed  this  union. 

Mrs.  Kern  caught  the  fever  of  the  crusade  spirit  before 
the  W.  C.  T.  U.  came  to  Oregon  but  urgent  family  cares 
prevented  her  taking  active  part  until  in  1883  she,  during 
Miss  Willard's  memorable  meetings  in  Portland,  joined  and 
has  been  in  the  harness  ever  since. 

For  fourteen  years  she  has  been  State  Superintendent 
of  the  Anti-Narcotic  Department. 

Mrs.  Kern's  life  story  is  of  intense  interest,  would  we 
could  write  it  here.  Possessed  of  much  of  the  same  pure, 
Christian  spirit  and  noble  qualities  of  character  which  ani- 
mated the  old  pioneer,  whose  name,  as  Father  Kelly,  is  so 
familiar  to  all.  Rarely  is  a  character  found  in  which  there 
is  such  a  harmonious  blending  of  sweetness  and  strength. 

"Her  children  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed,  her  husband 
also,  and  he  praiseth  her." 

Mrs.  Ada  Wallace  Unruh,  State  L.  T.  L.  Secretary,  State 
Organizer  and  Lecturer. 

Mrs.  Ada  Wallace  Unruh  inherits  the  grit,  persistency 
and  will-power  characteristic  of  her  Scotch  ancestry,  and 
these  qualities  enable  her,  though  frail  physically,  to  labor 
so  continuously  in  her  chosen  vocation  as  often  to  call  forth 
the  remark,  "What  a  tremendous  worker  she  is !"  Connected 

96 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

with  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  from  its  very  beginning,  she  has  been 
a  writer  and  a  speaker  on  the  various  phases  of  temperance 
work  for  more  than  twenty  years,  and  for  more  than  fifteen 
years  she  has  been  an  accredited  organizer. 

Her  record  in  Oregon  as  an  L.  T.  L.  worker  and 
"chalk  talker,"  was  one  to  be  proud  of.  Mrs.  Unruh  came 
into  the  Oregon  work  in  189 1  and  has  filled  many  positions 
of  trust,  all  with  great  efficiency. 

She  is  a  thorough  student,  making  careful  study  of  or- 
ganization in  particular. 

Of  broad  education,  a  keen  student  of  books,  men  and 
affairs,  eloquent  of  speech,  and  determined  to  excel,  Mrs. 
Unruh  is  counted  as  one  of  our  brightest  and  best. 

Louisa  A.  Nash  was  born  at  Greenwich,  England,  and 
is  well  past  the  half  century  mark.  Her  early  home,  filled 
with  brothers  and  sisters,  was  in  the  country,  and  yet  not 
far  from  London. 

Her  mother's  Christian  and  spiritual  example  was 
the  moving  influence  of  her  life.  To  this  was  added  nearly 
a  three-year  sojourn  in  a  German  Moravian  school,  which 
she  left  at  eighteen. 

The  influence,  which  made  for  temperance,  was  that  of 
a  dear  aunt,  almost  always  an  inmate  of  her  home.  She  had 
learnt  the  logical  reasons  for  total  abstinence  from  a  fol- 
lower of  the  well-known  Priessnitz,  and  tried  to  instill  them 
into  the  cottages  where  she  ministered.  When  Dr.  B.  W. 
Richardson  came  out  with  the  physiological  reasons,  Mrs. 
Nash  began  to  walk  in  "Auntie's"  steps.  She  was  married 
then  to  Mr.  Wallis  Nash,  who  has  ever  been  her  best  helper 
in  the  movements  near  to  her  heart — the  "Band  of  Hope" 
in  England,  which  prepared  her  for  the  same  work  for  the 
W.  C.  T.  U.  here. 

It  was  Miss  Willard,  who  extorted  from  her  a  promise, 
when  visiting  her  home  at  Corvallis  in  1883,  to  undertake  the 
superintendency  of  the  Press  Department. 

Was  it  perhaps  being  descended  from  Luther  on  the  one 

97 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

hand,  and  from  the  family  of  Oliver  Cromwell  on  the  other, 
that  made  her  more  radical  than  is  mostly  the  case  with 
English  women? 

We  would  be  glad  if  the  biographical  sketch  of  others 
cou1d  have  been  given  but  they  were  not  received. 


IN  MEMORY  OF  JENNIE  CASSADAY. 


Behold  the  lilies   of  the  field! 

They  toil  not  neither  do  they  spin. 
Behold    the    grace    and    loveliness 

The  great  Creator  clothed  them  in! 

There's  joy  in  a  buttercup, 

And   rapture   in   a   rose. 
The  magic  of  the  harebell's  blue 
Has  power  to  thrill  one  through  and  through, 
And  purple  violets  wet  with  dew 

Can  make  the  heart  forget  its  woes. 

And  you,  "wee  crimson  tipp't  flower," 
That  toward  the  sunlight  ever  turns, 

You  smiled  up  from  old  Scotland's  sod 
And  warmed  the  soul  of  Robert  Burns. 

The  humblest  wayside  bud  that  blows, 
Has  some  sweet  comfort  to  impart, 

Some  tender  message  straight  from  God, 
To  whisper  to  the  human  heart. 

And  she  whose  memory  today 

Is  like  the  fragrance  of  the  rose, 
Whose    name,   a   treasured    household   word, 

Is   loved   and   blessed  wherever  heard, 
Now  lieth  in  her  long  repose. 

A  flower  of  flowers,  a  lily  bent 

And  broken   from  its   human   stem! 

The  angels   saw  how  sweet  she  was, 

And  God  has  made  her  one  with  them. 

LISCHEN  M.  MILLER. 


98 


MRS.  MADGE  J.  MEARS, 
President  of  Linn  County. 


<> 


MRS.  C.  W.  SCRIBER, 
Pioneer  Treasurer  Salem  Union. 


Final  Words 


Write  the  history  of  the  Woman's  Christian  Temper- 
ance Union  of  Oregon  !  The  half  cannot  be  told  !  There  is  a 
history  written  upon  the  tablets  of  the  hearts  of  the  weary, 
discouraged,  erring,  sinful,  that  no  pen  can  ever  write. 

The  victories  gained  by  this  great  world  renowned  or- 
ganization, are  recorded  upon  the  statute  books  of  every 
state,  and  in  our  National  Archives  wrought  out  in  law  and 
in  custom,  in  public  sentiment  and  education,  science  and  in 
the  Gospel. 

Oregon  is  doing  her  part  in  bringing  all  this  about. 

If  the  whole  were  to  be  summed  up  in  one  sentence  it 
would  be:  "Service  is  King;"  and  would  show  that  the 
record  is  teeming  with  that  "divine  unrest"  which  forbids 
selfish  enjoyment,  while  humanity  is  in  bondage  and  groan- 
ing under  burdens. 

Educational  forces  have  been  set  at  work  by  this  or- 
ganization developing  the  women  of  Oregon  into  truer, 
grander  women,  no  less  womanly,  only  stronger  in  all  that 
makes  for  Tightness  of  life. 

Yes,  forces  have  been  set  at  work,  which  have  helped  to 
make  history  for  Oregon  that  by  and  by  will  be  read  by  the 
light  of  a  brighter,  truer  era,  and  it  will  then  be  seen  that 
this  work  has  been  a  mighty  force  in  making  sweeter  man- 
ners, better  laws,  purer  hearts  and  happier  homes. 

The  old  century  is  dying,  as  the  poet  has  it : 

The  old  year,  nineteen  hundred, 

Has  finished  his  lively  race — 
And  tired  and  worn  forgets  the  time 

When  he  with  the  world  kept  pace. 

His  time-worn  garments  around  him  cling. 

As  out  from  our  lives  he  glides. 
And  already  we  see  the  tiny  wings, 
Of  the  nymph  that  behind  him  hides. 

99 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Bright  1901  appears — 

With  a  laugh  on  his  baby  face, 
The  first  small  mite  full  of  light  and  life, 

A  century  new,  to  grace. 

God  grant  as  the  cycle  of  years  roll  by 

That  our  children's  children  all 
May  rejoice  in  the  years  that  onward  fly, 

Over  the  grave  of  King  Alcohol. 

— L.  A.  N. 

Civilization  is  but  a  succession  of  uplifts  to  a  higher 
point  of  view,  wider  outlook,  as  every  growing  individual 
life  is  a  succession  of  births  from  lower  to  higher  planes. 

The  nineteenth  century  has  been  called  woman's  century, 
the  twentieth  shall  be  in  very  truth,  humanity's  century. 

For  it  has  been  clearly  demonstrated  to  us  o'er  and  o'er 
that  whatsoever  things  are  true  and  humane,  and  holy, 
must  be  done  by  women  and  men  together,  humanity  for 
humanity. 

Men  and  women  must  rise  or  fall  together.  Men  are 
stronger  and  nobler  today  because  of  what  women,  through 
organization  are  doing  for  themselves. 

Dr.  William  Holcombe  gives  us  much  food  for  thought 
when  he  says : 

"Woman  is  capable  of  absorbing  and  reflecting  the  en- 
tire understanding  of  man,  so  that  her  intellectual  faculties 
shall  be  identical  with  his ;  man  is  capable  of  rising  to  the 
loftiest  height  of  woman's  love." 

As  one  of  our  pen  women  has  said : 

"With  that  tender  love,  which  she  shrouds  in  her  heart 
of  hearts,  that  affection  which  is  the  divine  essence  of  her 
being,  woman  shall  be  the  balancing  power  upon  our  earth. 
Aye,  it  shall  be  ripened  and  completed  only  when  men  and 
women,  side  by  side,  shall  consecrate  their  noblest  powers 
to  the  universal  good." 

Women's  organizations  do  not  reach  women  alone,  but 
they  move  and  reach  men  also. 

What  a  grand  thought  was  given  us  by  Charlotte 
Emerson  Brown: 

ioo 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

"Could  all  the  lines  of  moral  influence  flowing  from 
women's  organizations,  be  gathered,  as  the  rays  of  the  sun 
into  a  common  focus,  then  moral  brilliancy  would  approach 
the  resplendent  glory  of  the  king  of  day."  That  women's 
organizations  have  their  place  and  power  today  is  undoubted- 
ly true.  That  they  have  yet  much  to  do  for  the  advance- 
ment of  Christ's  Kingdom  on  earth ;  that  they  have  yet  much 
to  do  for  the  exposure  of  evil  and  error,  the  dethronement 
of  vice,  even  to  the  cleansing  of  the  "turbid  pool  of  politics," 
is  evidently  true.  But  in  the  final  and  perfected  adjust- 
ment of  society,  men  and  women  will  stand  side  by  side  in 
all  the  work  for  the  commonweal. 

The  arrogance  man  has  shown  in  denying  woman  the 
freedom  and  equality  before  the  law,  will  have  disappeared, 
the  intelligence  of  woman  will  assert  itself,  "modest,  ele- 
gant, pacific,  yielding,  soft,  tender."  Man  will  invite 
womanly  co-operation,  "love  will  enable  truth  to  perceive," 
the  Gospel  of  the  new  life  will  be  preached  from  every 
home. 

Then  humanity  will  be  complete.  Aye,  "the  marriage 
of  the  Lamb  is  come,  and  the  wife  hath  made  herself  ready." 
Are  we  ready? 

And  Oh,  comrades  of  the  hour,  what  manner  of  women 
ought  those  to  be,  who  will  lead  in  this  age  and  give  it 
character  ? 

Let  us  be  found  daily  in  the  "upper  room"  with  those 
who  worship  the  Lord  and  are  ready  for  the  dawning  of  this 
new  day. 

If  women  in  the  last  two  decades  have  wrought  so 
mightily  for  humanity's  uplift,  apart  from  men,  what  may 
we  expect  to  see  accomplished  when  men  and  women  be- 
come a  unified  force  working  as  one  and  inseparable  for  the 
common  joy,  the  common  good?  There  will  be  a  shout  of 
victory;  in  that  day  will  come  "the  descent  of  the  New 
Jerusalem  from  God  out  of  Heaven  and  His  tabernacle 
shall  be  with  men." 

"A  glorious  work,  worthy  the  knightliest  soul.  To  rise 
in  might  and  cast  the  evil  out  that  slays  the  Christlife  in  the 

IOI 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

human  soul,  this  is  our  work ;  and  our  reward  is  this,  to  see 
on  human  faces,  stained  and  scarred,  the  dawning  light  that 
says  :    The  Lord  is  risen." 

Heaven  is  surely  coming ;  shall  we  not  be  ready  ? 

We  leave  this  closing  thought  with  you,  which  came  to 
us  from  Mary  Lathbury : 

"As  the  flower  opens  heavenward  to  receive  sunlight, 
shower,  dew,  shall  we  not,  at  least,  open  ourselves  to  re- 
ceive whatever  heaven  sends ;"  and  think  of  the  blessed 
privilege  of  being  the  channel  through  which  the  "divine 
love"  can  flow  into  the  world  around  us  to  sweeten,  purify, 
lift  Godward. 

THE  KINGDOM  COME. 


Glad  prophecy  to  this  at  last,  shall  all  things  come. 
Forgotten  be  the  bugle's  blast, 
And  battle-music  of  the  drum, 
A  little  while  the  world  may  run 
Its  old  mad  way,  with  needle-gun, 

And  iron-clad,  but  truth,  at  last  shall  reign; 

The  cradle-song  of  Christ  was  never  sung  in  vain. 


I02 


Memorial 

'I  shall  be  satisfied  when  I  awake  in  thy  likeness. 


Some  day  the  silver  chord  will  break, 
And  I  no  more  as  now  shall  sing, 

But,  oh,  the  joy  when  I  shall  wake 
Within  the  palace  of  the  King. 

OUR  LOVED  AND  LOST. 


Not  all  of  life  the  feeble  breath 
That  fled  before  the  touch  of  death, 
And  only  mortal  dust  that  sleeps 
Where  autumn  wind  a  vigil  keeps. 
And  somewhere  in  the  realms  of  light, 
Beyond  our  weak  and  blinded  sight, 
Those  voices  silent  to  our  ear 
Still  breathe  in  sweeter  strain  than  here. 
Therefore  the  mortal,  dust  to  dust, 
Is  laid  away  in  hope  and  trust; 
But  faith,  hope,  love,  in  tender  guise 
Are  welcomed  home  to  Paradise. 

S.  E.  FOSTER. 

ELIZABETH  JANE  GRAVES  HINES, 

First  President  of  Oregon  W.  C.  T*  U. 

Was  born  in  Covington,  Livingston  County,  New  York, 
June,  1828;  passed  from  earthland  to  lifeland,  January  29, 
1890. 

Her  parents  were  of  the  sturdy  stock  of  Puritans.  Her 
early  education  was  obtained  in  Wyoming  Academy,  New 
York,  later  graduated  from  Genessee  Wesleyan  Seminary 
at  Lima,  N.  Y.  Married  to  Rev.  H.  K.  Hines,  January,  1852, 
and  in  December  of  the  same  year  they  were  transferred  to 
the  Oregon  Conference. 

Not  in  a  modern  palace  car  did  they  travel,  but  in  an 
emigrant  wagon  drawn  by  slow,  plodding  oxen,  from  May 
to  October  they  pursued  their  toilsome  journey,  reaching 
Portland,  then  a  small  town,  almost  in  the  wilderness,  and 
took  up  the  work  in  Taylor-Street  M.  E.  Church.    Mrs. 

J03 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

Hines  was  ready  for  any  and  all  lines  of  work  Providence 
opened  to  her. 

Under  every  trial  her  sweet  and  gentle  character,  her 
patience  and  unwavering  faith,  and  endurance  under  phys- 
ical suffering,  all  combined  to  form  a  constellation  of  graces 
very  seldom  found  in  one  character. 

The  intellectual  and  spiritual  were  the  all-controlling 
forces  of  her  life.  It  was  said  of  her  by  one  who  knew  her 
well :  "Whatever  Mrs.  Hines  touches,  she  uplifts,  sanctifies, 
glorifies ;  to  have  known  her  is  forever  to  be  a  better  man." 
For  36  years  she  labored  in  the  Master's  vineyard  in  Ore- 
gon, Washington  and  Idaho,  doing  her  whole  duty  as  a  pas- 
tor's wife,  as  a  mother,  as  a  counselor  and  guide.  As  a  teach- 
er she  excelled.  The  acquisition  and  impartation  of  knowl- 
edge was  with  her  a  passion.  She  was  cultured,  refined, 
thoroughly  educated  in  every  sense  of  the  word.  Greatly 
beloved  all  over  the  state  as  a  leader,  guide  and  inspirer. 

Like  the  precious  stone  in  the  hand  of  the  lapidary,  the 
heavy  strokes  of  the  cutting  tools  only  seemed  to  reveal  the 
finer  material.  Through  every  trial  and  discouragement  Sis- 
ter Hines  never  uttered  a  word  of  complaint  but  remained 
the  source  from  which  others  derived  consolation  and  sup- 
port. The  passing  on  to  higher  life  of  Mrs.  Hines  was 
sorely  felt  in  the  ranks  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  She  it  was  who 
did  the  first  hard  pioneer  work  for  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  of  Ore- 
gon. Wherever  she  touched  the  work  she  left  a  blessed  im- 
press for  good.  It  was  a  great  pain  to  Mrs.  Hines  to  lay 
aside  the  work,  for  she  saw  in  it  only  that  which  one  whose 
vision  was  spiritually  clear  and  discernment  far-reaching 
can  see.  She  saw  in  it  an  uplift  to  the  world's  womanhood 
as  well  as  a  lasting  condemnation  of  a  national  sin.  And 
now  her  earth  life  is  finished ;  her  character  crystallized  into 
a  proverb  that  will  write  her  pioneer  history  to  the  cause  of 
God,  as  the  prophetic  delineation  of  the  Master's  work. 

"He  shall  not  fail  nor  be  discouraged  till  he  has  set 
righteousness  in  the  earth  and  the  Isles  shall  wait  for  his 
law." 

Born  into  beauty  and  born  into  bloom, 
Victors  immortal  o'er  terror  and  tomb, 
Fast  fall  on  footsteps  we  follow  from  far, 
Love's  light  leads  heavenward  from  gates  left  ajar. 

IO4 


OREGON  W.  C  T.  U. 

NARCISSA  WHITE  KINNEY, 

Third  President  of  Oregon  W.  C.  T.  U. 

"Love's  light  illumines  the  pathway  ye  trod, 

Comrade  of  yesterday,  now  Saint  of  God; 

Gracious  and  great  were  your  souls  in  their  stay, 

Greatest  of  all  in  their  going  away. 

Blessing  the  world  that  you  loved  and  you  left, 

Soothing  the  hearts  that  your  going  bereft, 

Death  did  not  daunt,  and  you  feared  not  your  fate, 

Sweet  sang  your  soul  we  must  love,  trust  and  wait." 

No  more  fitting  eulogy  can  be  placed  in  this  memorial 
chapter  than  that  penned  by  one  of  her  dearest,  closest 
friends,  Henrietta  Brown,  of  Albany. 

"Behold,  he  taketh  away,  who  can  hinder  him?  Who 
shall  say  unto  him,  What  dost  thou  ?"  This  was  the  thought 
that  came  to  the  minds  of  the  many  friends  of  our  beloved 
Narcissa  White  Kinney,  when  the  news  of  her  sudden  going 
away  flashed  over  the  wires.  Truly,  "in  the  midst  of  life 
we  are  in  death/'  Mrs.  Kinney's  death  was  very  sudden. 
She  was  in  comparatively  good  health  and  had  attended 
prayer  meeting  on  the  evening  of  January  3d.  During  the 
night  following  she  was  taken  ill,  and  in  forty-eight  hours 
the  Lord  called  her.  She  was  spared  prolonged  suffering, 
*nd  was  unconscious  for  several  hours  before  her  death. 
She  said  to  her  husband,  "I  am  so  tired  I  will  try  to  sleep," 
and  immediately  sank  into  a  coma  from  which  she  never 
awakened. 

Her  sisters,  Dr.  Maria  and  Miss  Margaret  White,  were 
summoned  from  their  home  in  San  Jose,  California,  and 
they,  with  her  husband  and  two  nieces^  were  the  only  rela- 
tives present  at  the  funeral.  The  services  were  in  charge 
of  Dr.  Hill,  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church,  of 
which  she  had  been  a  member  during  her  residence  in  Port- 
land. He  was  assisted  by  Dr.  Blackburn,  of  the  First  Bap- 
tist church,  and  Rev.  Huber  Ferguson,  of  the  First  United 
Presbyterian  church. 

The  services  were  concluded  by  her  White  Ribbon  sis- 
ters, whom  she  loved  well.     While  the  choir  sang  "Abide 

I05 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

With  Me,"  they  took  their  position  in  a  circle  around  the 
form  they  had  so  loyally  followed,  bearing  in  their  hands 
bouquets  of  white  narcissus  and  maidenhair  fern  tie*3  with 
white  ribbon,  and  as  the  singing  ceased  each  in  turn  repeat- 
ed a  text  from  the  Word,  which  combined  formed  a  wealth 
of  exalted  truth  and  sentiment ;  and  then  the  dear  face,  so 
peaceful,  yet  wearing  a  look  of  triumph,  was  wreathed  in 
the  fragrant  flowers  so  distinctively  her  own.  Sad  indeed 
were  the  hearts  of  those  who  lingeringly  and  lovingly  took 
their  last  farewell  of  the  one  they  had  honored  and  trusted 
as  leader  and  friend.  And  again  they  were  made  to  realize 
how  rapidly  our  true  and  tried  standard-bearers  are  passing 
over  to  the  other  side. 

Narcissa  White  was  born  in  Grove  City,  Pa.,  of  Scotch- 
Irish  parentage,  a  direct  descendant  of  Adam  Wallace,  who 
suffered  martyrdom  at  the  stake  for  his  principles,  and  she 
inherited  many  of  his  sterling  qualities.  She  was  reared  in 
the  United  Presbyterian  church,  of  which  she  was  an  hon- 
ored member  until  she  went  to  Oregon  to  reside.  After 
completing  her  education  she  spent  several  years  in  institute 
work  in  Pennsylvania.  In  1880  she  joined  the  Woman's 
Christian  Temperance  Union  and  entered  actively  into  that 
work,  first  as  president  of  the  local  union  of  Grove  City, 
then  as  county  president,  and  later  as  a  national  organizer 
and  lecturer.  She  organized  the  entire  State  of  Pennsyl- 
vania into  districts,  and  then  launched  out  into  a  wider  field, 
visiting  every  state  in  the  Union  and  Canada.  Her  presence 
was  magnetic  and  winning,  her  arguments  clear-cut  and 
forcible,  and  her  fervor  and  enthusiasm  swept  away  all 
prejudice. 

In  1888  she  married  Mr.  M.  J.  Kinney,  of  Oregon,  and 
in  him  she  found  a  helpmeet  indeed — one  in  full  sympathy 
with  her  public  work,  and  ready  with  voice  and  purse  to  for- 
ward all  her  plans.  She  had  not  been  in  Oregon  long  when 
she  was  elected  state  president  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  and  took 
up  the  work  with  her  usual  energy.  Faithfully  and  well  did 
she  serve  her  constituency  until  one  year  ago,  when  she 

106 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

resigned  on  account  of  ill-health.  In  her  taking-away,  Ore- 
gon has  sustained  an  irreparable  loss.  Not  only  does  the 
temperance  cause  lose  its  most  able  advocate  and  its  wisest 
counselor,  but  the  church  loses  one  of  its  most  earnest  and 
efficient  members.  Educational  institutions,  too,  suffer  loss, 
as  she  was  always  on  the  alert  to  further  these  interests  in 
any  way  possible,  and  the  social  circle  has  also  to  yield  up 
one  of  its  most  brilliant  ornaments.  Her  influence  along 
these  lines  was  felt  throughout  the  entire  state.  Those  who 
were  privileged  to  be  her  personal  friends  feel  their  loss 
most  keenly,  for  her  loyal,  loving  comradeship  was  more 
than  ordinary  friendship.  God  help  us,  dear  comrades  in 
Oregon,  to  live  up  to  the  standard  she  set  for  us — "Our 
very  best." 

HENRIETTA  BROWN. 
Albany,  Oregon. 

And  to  all  who  have  worked  faithfully  in  the  ranks  in 
our  local  and  county  unions,  until  the  summons  comes  to 
"come  up  higher."  These  are  they  of  whom  it  shall  be  said 
"And  they  shall  walk  with  me  in  white  for  they  are  worthy." 
Their  names  are  all  upon  the  roll  up  yonder.  And  as  we 
read  this  memorial  chapter  and  think  of  the  many  dear, 
noble  White  Ribboners  who  have  been  with  us  for  a  time 
and  then  taken  from  our  sight,  we  realize  more  than  ever 
that  death  is  a  warder,  flinging  open  the  gates  which  barrier 
the  path  of  mortality  to  immortality.  A  white-wanded  usher, 
introducing  us  to  the  noble  associates  of  the  heavenly  assem- 
bly ;  the  great  revealer,  lifting  the  dark  screen  that  has  long 
concealed  what  we  have  so  eagerly  desired  to  behold.  Death 
i.~»  life  abundant.  Among  the  precious  messages  left  us  by 
our  beloved  leader,  Frances  Willard,  none  seems  more  prec- 
ious than  this  one.  "Clara,  I've  crept  in  with  mother,  and 
it's  the  same  beautiful  world  and  the  same  people.  Remem- 
ber that,  it's  just  the  same."  and  then  the  cry  as  though  she 
had  gained  the  Celestial  heights. 

"How  beautiful  to  be  with  God."  Surely  great  hearts, 
the  heaven  these  dear  ones  have  gone  to,  and  that  you  and  I 

107 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

look  longingly  forward  to  meeting  them  all  in,  is  a  world  of 
beautiful  mansions  prepared  by  the  Divine  Father. 

God  grant  that  we  may  be  as  clay  in  the  hands  of  the 
Divine  Potter,  that  we  may  be  molded  into  His  image  and 
likeness.  May  we  so  live  that  we  may  join  those  who 

Have  come  unto  Mount  Zion — unto  the  city  of  the  Living 
God,  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  the  innumerable  company 
of  angels;  where  there  is  no  more  crying,  no  more  pain,  but  all 
is  love. 

Thou  art  not  dead,  pure  hearts  above  earth's  strife, 
Thy  home  of  rest  is  love's  serenest  sphere, 

To  her,  death  is  the  grandest  step  in  life, 

Who  lives  from  God,  in  faith  and  duty  here. 


108 


ODE  TO  THE  NEW  CENTURY. 


'Tis  midnight — solemn  hour — 
And   all    within,    without 

Is  silence  deep. 
But  hark!  the  tolling  bell, 
A   weird   and   touching   wail, 

The  old  year's  dead. 
Memory  unlocks  the  past, 
The  glorious  throng  of  happy  dreams 
Are   flitting  by,   going,   gone. 
Is  there  no  power  can  stay 
Time  in  its  relentless  course? 
Hark!   again   the   bells  peal  forth, 
But  now  happy  tones  are  they. 
Victory  o'er  death,  a  birth, 
A  century  is  born  this  morn. 
Room,  room  for  this  new  life, 
Oh,  give  the  century  room 
In  hearts  and  home,  bind  not  her  steps. 
She  comes  to  love  and  bless 
Her  children,  all,  yes,  all. 
The  past  is  past,  oh,  look  not  back. 
Why  do  we  mourn  the  past — the  was — 
When  the  bright  and  beauteous  now, 
The  divine  "to  be,"  is  here  and  ours. 
The   present  needs   us  else 

We  were  not  here. 
The  now  is  bidding  for 

Our  time  and  love. 
Oh,  Lord,  the  rolling  year 

Is  full  of  thee. 
Thy  love  and  tenderness 

Pervades  the  air. 
Oh,  make  us  worthy,  Lord, 

Thy  love  and  care. 
May  we  receive  this  gift, 
The  gift  of  a  new  year. 
And  use  it  in  thy  service  sweet. 
Praise   God   for  blessings  sent, 
Praise  Him  who  gives  with  lavish  hand, 
Praise  Him  for  life,  for  death,  for  all, 

Yes,  all. 
Praise   God   for   all. 

— L.  H.  F.  A. 


109 


Appendix 


This  history  was  written  to  be  published  just  at  the 
close  of  the  century,  1900.  As  circumstances  prevented  the 
publication  at  that  time,  and  as  events  have  transpired  since 
which  should  be  added  in  order  for  the  history  now  to  stand 
complete,  we  write  this  appendix. 

January  5,  1901,  was  a  sorrowful  date.  Narcissa  White 
Kinney  passed  from  earth  land  to  life  land.  It  was  a  severe 
shock  to  the  entire  constituency.  Although  not  strong,  she 
had  been  in  her  usual  health,  and  when  the  news  came,  "Mrs. 
Kinney  has  been  taken  home  to  God,"  we  could  not  realize 
that  it  could  be  true. 

Mrs.  Kinney  at  the  convention  at  Eugene,  1898,  closed 
her  annual  address  with  these  words : 

My  barque  is  wafted  to  the  breeze 

By  breaths  divine, 
And  on  the  helm   there  rests  a  hand 

Other  than  mine. 
The  workers  fall,  but  the  work  must  go  on, 

Ah,  comrades,  we  stand  in  the  silence, 

Homesick  for  a  day; 
But  how  can  our  anguish  be  bitter, 

We  follow  that  way. 

Let  us  lift  up  our  hearts,  beloved, 

Love  on  as  of  yore; 
Who  knows  but  in  the  stress  of  battle 

They  haste  to  the  fore. 

Then  onward,  ye  brave,  to  the  duty 
Not  far,  with  the   King  in  his  beauty, 
We   greet  them  once  more. 

The  thought  that  comes  to  me  as  I  pen  these  lines,  is : 
How  fast  the  true,  the  good,  our  best,  are  being  called  to 
their  heavenly  home.    Yet  the  work  cannot  be  dropped. 

March  Northwest  White  Ribboner  was  a  memorial  num- 

IIO 


OREGON  W.  C.  T.  U. 

ber,  and  words  of  love  and  sadness,  yet  trust  and  hope, 
came  from  local  unions  all  over  the  state.  Not  since  Mrs. 
Hines  left  us  had  we  been  so  bereaved. 

The  convention  of  1901  was  held  in  Astoria,  Mrs.  Kin- 
ney's former  home.  Tender  memorial  services  were  held, 
led  by  Mrs.  Smith  French,  of  The  Dalles. 

Coos  County,  which  had  dropped  out  in  1900  roster,  we 
find  in  1901  with  four  unions — Bandon,  Coquille,  Myrtle 
Point  and  Marshfield.  Mrs.  L.  Myrtle  Shannon,  of  Ban- 
don, as  County  President. 

In  1892  the  Refuge  Home  was  dropped  as  an  affiliated 
interest. 

Miss  Marie  Brehm,  National  Organizer,  visited  our 
state,  leaving  friends  for  herself  and  the  cause  wherever  she 
went.    Miss  Brehm  is  one  of  our  ablest  National  speakers. 

Mrs.  Mary  Teats,  National  Evangelist  of  the  Purity  de- 
partment, made  a  tour  of  the  state  with  good  results. 

In  the  fall  following  the  Moro  Convention,  Col.  Holt 
made  a  canvass  of  the  state,  thoroughly  "stirring  up  the  dry 
bones." 

Mrs.  Mattie  Graves,  National  Organizer,  gave  valuable 
field  service. 

Newberg  and  Mt.  Scott  issued  most  attractive  yearly 
calendars.     (If  any  other  Union  has,  it  is  not  recorded.) 

The  Sunnyside  Union  has  moved  its  building,  retaining 
their  own  room  as  headquarters.  The  Boys'  Brigade  have 
the  other  part  and  have  enlarged  it,  now  having  a  large 
hall. 

We  regret  to  chronicle  also  the  closing  up  of  the  "Noon 
Rest,"  in  Multnomah  County,  which  has  been  such  a  bless- 
in; g  to  so  many.  We  trust  it  is  only  a  temporary  move,  as 
the  need  is  as  great  now  for  such  work  as  ever.  Aye, 
more  so. 

Salem  has  been  enlarging  her  borders.  Has  purchased  a 
building  that  they  may  be  located  in  a  home  of  their  own. 
It  is  centrally  located  and  the  Union  has  taken  on  new  life 
and  is  in  a  very  prosperous  condition.  As  this  is  in  our 
capital  city  we  must  all  be  glad,  indeed,  that  this  advance 

ill 


TWENTY  EVENTFUL  YEARS 

step  was  possible. 

We  understand  that  an  old,  staunch,  loyal  veteran,  Mrs. 
Mary  Ramp,  made  a  liberal  donation  of  money  to  enable 
them  to  own  this  fine  place.    May  her  kind  multiply. 

The  State  organ,  so  long  a  valued  part  of  our  ma- 
chinery, is  changed.  The  lack  of  support  for  the  Northwest 
White  Ribboner,  compelled  it  to  be  discontinued.  Space  in 
The  Searchlight,  the  prohibition  paper  published  by  Mrs. 
Emma  Vandervort,  was  offered  for  our  state  official  organ 
and  was  accepted  for  the  present. 

At  the  last  legislative  session  the  State  enacted  a  child 
labor  law  and  there  is  little  doubt  but  that  our  labor  depart- 
ment has  had  its  due  amount  of  influence  in  bringing  this 
law  into  being.  The  first  public  appeal  made  in  behalf  of 
such  a  law  was  (so  far  as  we  can  learn)  made  by  the  Na- 
tional Associate  Superintendent  of  the  Labor  Department, 
and  who  for  many  years  has  spoken  and  written  along  these 
lines  as  your  State  Superintendent. 

For  many  years  the  Unions  have  petitioned  and  worked 
for  the  establishment  of  a  matron  at  the  state  prison.  This 
year  that,  too,  came  to  pass. 

The  work  this  year  at  Chautauqua  was,  perhaps,  the 
most  successful  ever  reached,  under  the  skilful  management 
of  State  President  Helen  D,  Harford. 

No  state  minutes  have  been  printed  these  last  years, 
therefore  material  is  very  meager  to  cull  from. 


112 


On  A 


